Moving from Tampa to St. Petersburg, FL
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Quick answer: Moving from Tampa to St. Petersburg costs between $40 to $3,387 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 23-mile route within Florida take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tampa to St. Petersburg
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tampa to St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg, 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 23 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $680 - $2,319 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $388 - $1,098 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $120 | 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 St. Petersburg?
It costs between $40 to $3,387 to move from Tampa to St. Petersburg. The prices below break down your 23-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $420 - $3,387
- Moving containers: $129 - $1,566
- Rental trucks: $40 - $144
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $420 - $1,190 | $129 - $797 | $40 - $92 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $680 - $2,319 | $388 - $1,098 | $49 - $120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,104 - $3,387 | $768 - $1,566 | $66 - $144 |
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 St. Petersburg
At 23 miles, your Tampa to St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 23 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tampa to St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg to Tampa guide.
Considerations when moving from Tampa to St. Petersburg
Cost of living: Tampa vs. St. Petersburg
When weighing the cost of living in Tampa versus St. Petersburg, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in St. Petersburg really compares to Tampa.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tampa | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,930 | $2,075 |
| Average home cost | $372,114 | $327,967 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,302 | $73,118 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,232 | $2,642 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,108 | $6,178 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.5% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in St. Petersburg are 8% higher than in Tampa. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in St. Petersburg are 12% lower than in Tampa. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income levels in Tampa and St. Petersburg are quite similar, so you can expect steady earning potential and less financial stress in your new city.
- Living in St. Petersburg is 18% cheaper for one person compared to Tampa. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to St. Petersburg, you’ll find that the cost of living is 24% lower than in Tampa. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in St. Petersburg is 8% lower than in Tampa. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 8% higher in St. Petersburg than in Tampa. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Tampa, you’d need about $2,460 in St. Petersburg.
How life is different in Tampa vs. St. Petersburg
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Tampa and St. Petersburg. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Tampa | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 259,343 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 52ºF | 53ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 51" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 46.15 | 39.54 |
St. Petersburg sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of St. Petersburg is approximately 36% lower than the population of Tampa. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, St. Petersburg voted Democratic, while Tampa voted Republican.
- In St. Petersburg and Tampa, summer highs run about the same — 90°F vs. 90°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Tampa and St. Petersburg face similar winter lows—Tampa drops to 52°F, while St. Petersburg falls to 53°F.
- Both Tampa and St. Petersburg receive similar amounts of rain annually—Tampa gets about 51 inches, while St. Petersburg sees around 51 inches each year.
- Both Tampa and St. Petersburg receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- St. Petersburg offers more peace of mind than Tampa, with a lower crime index of 39.54 versus 46.15.
Things to do in St. Petersburg
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? St. Petersburg has it all.
Museums in St. Petersburg
- The Dali Museum
- Chihuly Collection
- Duncan McClellan Gallery
- Imagine Museum
- James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Parks in St. Petersburg
- Sawgrass Lake Park
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Vinoy Park
- Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
- Maximo Park
Sports teams in St. Petersburg
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship Soccer)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL - Located in nearby Tampa)
- St. Petersburg Aquatics
- St. Petersburg Cardinals
Universities in St. Petersburg
- University of South Florida St. Petersburg
- Eckerd College
- St. Petersburg College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tampa to St. Petersburg?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Tampa to St. Petersburg, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $325 and $1,009. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $680 up to $2,319. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,104 to $3,387 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Tampa to St. Petersburg?
Moving containers from Tampa to St. Petersburg will cost you $111 to $790 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $388 to $1,098. A larger home will cost $768 to $1,566.
How much is a moving truck from Tampa to St. Petersburg?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $38 to $101. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $49 and $120. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Tampa to St. Petersburg, costs usually fall between $66 and $144.
How far in advance should I book Tampa-to-St. Petersburg movers?
To make your move from Tampa to St. Petersburg as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to St. Petersburg?
For the best deals on your move to St. Petersburg, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
