Moving from Tampa to Jacksonville, FL
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Quick answer: Moving from Tampa to Jacksonville costs between $249 to $5,394 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 198-mile route within Florida take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tampa to Jacksonville
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tampa to Jacksonville are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tampa to driving and unloading in Jacksonville, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 198 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,399 - $3,999 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,201 - $2,326 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $287 - $558 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Big Man's Moving Company, LLC | $84/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Tampa to Jacksonville?
It costs between $249 to $5,394 to move from Tampa to Jacksonville. The prices below break down your 198-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $891 - $5,394
- Moving containers: $886 - $2,842
- Rental trucks: $249 - $661
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $891 - $3,496 | $886 - $1,553 | $249 - $476 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,399 - $3,999 | $1,201 - $2,326 | $287 - $558 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,886 - $5,394 | $1,634 - $2,842 | $357 - $661 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $84/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Tampa to Jacksonville
At 198 miles, your Tampa to Jacksonville move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Tampa to Jacksonville. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 198 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tampa to Jacksonville. They've been in business since 2022 (4 years of experience) and 93.4% of their 272 verified reviews are positive.
More Florida moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jacksonville to Tampa guide.
Considerations when moving from Tampa to Jacksonville
Cost of living: Tampa vs. Jacksonville
The cost of living in Tampa vs. Jacksonville goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Jacksonville stacks up against Tampa.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tampa | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,930 | $1,520 |
| Average home cost | $372,114 | $262,098 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,302 | $66,981 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,232 | $2,696 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,108 | $6,605 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.5% | 7.5% |
- Rent in Jacksonville is roughly 21% less expensive than in Tampa. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Jacksonville are 30% lower than in Tampa, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Jacksonville is 6% lower than in Tampa. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Jacksonville is 17% lower than in Tampa. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 19% lower in Jacksonville than in Tampa. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Jacksonville and Tampa are the same, which indicates a similar job market and employment outlook as your current hometown.
- In Jacksonville, sales taxes are 15% higher than in Tampa. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Tampa, expect to budget around $2,490 to maintain the same lifestyle in Jacksonville.
How life is different in Tampa vs. Jacksonville
As you plan your move, comparing life in Tampa vs. Jacksonville is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Tampa and Jacksonville to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Tampa | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 971,319 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 51-47 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 52ºF | 44ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 46.15 | 56.38 |
Jacksonville sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Jacksonville is about 141% larger than Tampa. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- In the last presidential election, Jacksonville voted Democratic and Tampa voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Jacksonville and Tampa are nearly identical, with averages around 91°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- In the coldest months, Jacksonville drops to 44°F—colder than Tampa, which only goes down to 52°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Tampa to Jacksonville. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 51 inches in Tampa and 50 inches in Jacksonville.
- Both Tampa and Jacksonville receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Jacksonville, with an index of 56.38, compared to Tampa at 46.15.
Things to do in Jacksonville
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Jacksonville has something for everyone.
Museums in Jacksonville
- The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
- Museum of Science and History
- Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve
- Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
- Mandarin Museum & Historical Society
Parks in Jacksonville
- Little Talbot Island State Park
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
- Fort Caroline National Memorial
- Huguenot Memorial Park
- Friendship Fountain
Sports teams in Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities in Jacksonville
- Art Institute of Jacksonville
- Edward Waters College Jacksonville
- Florida Coastal School of Law
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tampa to Jacksonville?
Moving your furniture from Tampa to Jacksonville with a professional moving company usually ranges from $776 to $2,753. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,399 and $3,999. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,886 to $5,394 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Tampa to Jacksonville?
If you’re moving from Tampa to Jacksonville and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $679 to $1,545. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,201 and $2,326. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,634 to $2,842.
How much is a moving truck from Tampa to Jacksonville?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $249 and $476. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $287 to $558. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Tampa to Jacksonville, rental prices generally fall between $357 and $661.
How far in advance should I book Tampa-to-Jacksonville movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Tampa to Jacksonville at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Tampa-to-Jacksonville movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Jacksonville?
If you want to save money on your move to Jacksonville, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
