Tampa to St. Petersburg Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Tampa to St. Petersburg, FL is $33 - $3,166 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 Big Man's Moving Company, LLC, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 277 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $84/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 Tampa
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 Tampa to St. Petersburg?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Tampa to St. Petersburg 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 Big Man's Moving Company, LLC (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by Einstein Moving Company (4.7/5). 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 Tampa to St. Petersburg 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 Tampa to St. Petersburg?
Expect to spend between $33 and $3,166* on a Tampa to St. Petersburg move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $334 - $3,166
- Moving containers: $108 - $1,309
- Rental trucks: $33 - $128
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 - $1,016 | $108 - $709 | $33 - $84 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $598 - $1,941 | $324 - $1,026 | $40 - $110 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,032 - $3,166 | $732 - $1,309 | $54 - $128 |
*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 Tampa, FL movers.
How Tampa to St. Petersburg moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $84 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 $1,002.
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. 16% of Tampa 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 29% of Tampa 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 Tampa to St. Petersburg
Moving from Tampa to St. Petersburg 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. Big Man's Moving Company, LLC leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 277 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Tampa to St. Petersburg
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:
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC (4.64/5 stars): 84.5% positive customer ratings.
- Einstein Moving Company (4.7/5 stars): 99.6% positive customer ratings.
- Golden Movers LLC (4.64/5 stars): 91.0% positive customer ratings.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.58/5 stars): 76.3% positive customer ratings.
- Brothers EZ Moving (4.52/5 stars): 76.0% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 45 movers in Tampa, drawing on 10,179 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Tampa to St. Petersburg
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 Tampa, FL
Tampa residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Florida moving resources
How does St. Petersburg compare to Tampa?
Cost of living: Tampa vs. St. Petersburg
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.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Tampa and St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg are 8% higher than in Tampa. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 8% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in St. Petersburg are 12% lower than Tampa. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in St. Petersburg matches Tampa. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in St. Petersburg is 18% lower than Tampa. The savings typically free up 18% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in St. Petersburg is 24% lower than Tampa. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in St. Petersburg runs 8% lower than Tampa. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in St. Petersburg are 8% higher than Tampa. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,460 in St. Petersburg to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Tampa.
How life is different in Tampa vs. St. Petersburg
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in St. Petersburg might look different from Tampa in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
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).
- St. Petersburg is 36% smaller in size than Tampa. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, St. Petersburg voted Democratic and Tampa voted Republican.
- Summer highs in St. Petersburg (90°F) match Tampa (90°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Tampa (52°F) and St. Petersburg (53°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Tampa (51 inches) and St. Petersburg (51 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Tampa and St. Petersburg is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in St. Petersburg (39.54) is lower than Tampa (46.15). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg'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 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
Final verdict: Tampa to St. Petersburg 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, Big Man's Moving Company, LLC (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 84.5% positive reviews across 277 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $33 - $3,166, based on our analysis of 229+ Florida movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Tampa to St. Petersburg
What time of year is the cheapest to move to St. Petersburg?
The cheapest time to move to St. Petersburg 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 Tampa to St. Petersburg considered a long-distance move?
A move from Tampa to St. Petersburg 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 Tampa to St. Petersburg take?
Most moves from Tampa to St. Petersburg 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 Tampa movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 71% of movers in Tampa handle piano moves, and 44% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How many movers in Tampa offer labor-only help?
71% of movers in Tampa offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
