St. Petersburg to Tampa Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from St. Petersburg to Tampa, FL is $34 - $3,074 for the ~23-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as Let's Get Moving, Inc., moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 243 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $185/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in St. Petersburg
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from St. Petersburg to Tampa?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like St. Petersburg to Tampa are regulated by Florida law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Florida intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Florida companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Let's Get Moving, Inc. (4.66/5) as the top local pick, followed by Big Man's Moving Company, LLC (4.66/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most St. Petersburg to Tampa moves complete in - days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 229+ Florida movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from St. Petersburg to Tampa?
Expect to spend between $34 and $3,074* on a St. Petersburg to Tampa move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $334 - $3,074
- Moving containers: $112 - $1,350
- Rental trucks: $34 - $127
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $334 - $1,090 | $112 - $702 | $34 - $81 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $605 - $2,101 | $341 - $947 | $41 - $99 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $972 - $3,074 | $732 - $1,350 | $57 - $127 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 229+ Florida moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of St. Petersburg, FL movers.
How St. Petersburg to Tampa moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $185 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $2,220.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 17% of St. Petersburg movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 31% of St. Petersburg movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Big Man's Moving Company, LLC |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from St. Petersburg to Tampa
Moving from St. Petersburg to Tampa is a job for local and regional Florida movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Let's Get Moving, Inc. leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 243 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from St. Petersburg to Tampa
Local movers operating within Florida know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Let's Get Moving, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): 95.9% positive customer ratings.
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC (4.66/5 stars): 83.3% positive customer ratings.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.58/5 stars): 82.5% positive customer ratings.
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage (4.44/5 stars): 97.4% positive customer ratings.
- Einstein Moving Company (4.7/5 stars): 99.6% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 42 movers in St. Petersburg, drawing on 9,544 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from St. Petersburg to Tampa
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Florida moving resources
How does Tampa compare to St. Petersburg?
Cost of living: St. Petersburg vs. Tampa
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| St. Petersburg | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,075 | $1,930 |
| Average home cost | $327,967 | $372,114 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,118 | $71,302 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,642 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,178 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.0% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
Cost-of-living data for St. Petersburg and Tampa comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 229+ Florida moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Tampa are 7% lower than in St. Petersburg. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Tampa are 13% higher than St. Petersburg. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Tampa matches St. Petersburg. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in Tampa is 22% higher than St. Petersburg. Plan to add roughly 22% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Tampa is 31% higher than St. Petersburg. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Tampa runs 9% higher than St. Petersburg. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Tampa are 7% lower than St. Petersburg. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,660 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in St. Petersburg.
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Tampa
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Tampa might look different from St. Petersburg in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| St. Petersburg | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 259,343 | 403,364 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 53ºF | 52ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 39.54 | 46.15 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Florida can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 39% of movers in Florida, vs 33% nationally).
- Tampa is 56% larger in size than St. Petersburg. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Tampa voted Republican and St. Petersburg voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Tampa (90°F) match St. Petersburg (90°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in St. Petersburg (53°F) and Tampa (52°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in St. Petersburg (51 inches) and Tampa (51 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in St. Petersburg and Tampa is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Tampa (46.15) is higher than St. Petersburg (39.54). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Tampa
Tampa's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Tampa
- Glazer Children's Museum
- Henry B. Plant Museum
- Tampa Bay History Center
- Museum of Science and Industry
- SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship
Parks in Tampa
- Lettuce Lake Regional Park
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
- Sparkman Wharf
- Ballast Point Park
- Picnic Island Park
Sports teams in Tampa
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)
- Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)
Universities in Tampa
- University of South Florida
- University of Tampa
Final verdict: St. Petersburg to Tampa movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Florida service. For smaller moves, Let's Get Moving, Inc. (4.66/5) is the top local choice, with 95.9% positive reviews across 243 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $34 - $3,074, based on our analysis of 229+ Florida movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from St. Petersburg to Tampa
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tampa?
The cheapest time to move to Tampa is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
Is moving from St. Petersburg to Tampa considered a long-distance move?
A move from St. Petersburg to Tampa is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Florida law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Florida intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How long does a move from St. Petersburg to Tampa take?
Most moves from St. Petersburg to Tampa take - days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
What percentage of St. Petersburg movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 74% of movers in St. Petersburg handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How many movers in St. Petersburg offer labor-only help?
69% of movers in St. Petersburg offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
