Moving from Tampa to Tallahassee, FL
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Quick answer: Moving from Tampa to Tallahassee costs between $339 to $6,001 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 274-mile route within Florida take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tampa to Tallahassee
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tampa to Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee, 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 274 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,605 - $4,604 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,291 - $2,320 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $356 - $739 | 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 Tallahassee?
It costs between $339 to $6,001 to move from Tampa to Tallahassee. The prices below break down your 274-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,024 - $6,001
- Moving containers: $1,010 - $2,993
- Rental trucks: $339 - $870
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,024 - $3,987 | $1,010 - $1,832 | $339 - $649 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,605 - $4,604 | $1,291 - $2,320 | $356 - $739 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,123 - $6,001 | $1,736 - $2,993 | $487 - $870 |
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 Tallahassee
At 274 miles, your Tampa to Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Florida, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 274 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tampa to Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee to Tampa guide.
Considerations when moving from Tampa to Tallahassee
Cost of living: Tampa vs. Tallahassee
The cost of living in Tampa vs. Tallahassee goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Tallahassee stacks up against Tampa.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tampa | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,930 | $1,410 |
| Average home cost | $372,114 | $275,354 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,302 | $55,931 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,232 | $2,019 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,108 | $4,631 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.5% | 7.5% |
- Rent in Tallahassee is roughly 27% 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 Tallahassee are 26% 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 Tallahassee is 22% 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 Tallahassee is 38% 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 43% lower in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee and Tampa are the same, which indicates a similar job market and employment outlook as your current hometown.
- In Tallahassee, 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 $1,860 to maintain the same lifestyle in Tallahassee.
How life is different in Tampa vs. Tallahassee
As you plan your move, comparing life in Tampa vs. Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Tampa | Tallahassee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 201,731 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 52ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 51" | 59" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 46.15 | 58.35 |
Tallahassee sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Tallahassee is about 50% less populated than Tampa. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- In the last presidential election, Tallahassee voted Democratic and Tampa voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Tallahassee and Tampa are nearly identical, with averages around 92°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- In the coldest months, Tallahassee drops to 39°F—colder than Tampa, which only goes down to 52°F.
- Tallahassee usually sees more rain than Tampa, averaging 59 inches of annual rainfall, while Tampa gets only 51 inches.
- Both Tampa and Tallahassee receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Tallahassee, with an index of 58.35, compared to Tampa at 46.15.
Things to do in Tallahassee
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Tallahassee has something for everyone.
Museums in Tallahassee
- Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
- Tallahassee Museum
- Museum of Florida History
- Florida Historic Capitol Museum
- Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Parks in Tallahassee
- Cascades Park
- Dorothy B Oven Park
- Lake Ella & Fred Drake Park
- Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway
- Lichgate on High Road
Sports teams in Tallahassee
- Florida State Seminoles (NCAA)
Universities in Tallahassee
- Florida State University
- Florida A&M University
- Tallahassee Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tampa to Tallahassee?
Moving your furniture from Tampa to Tallahassee with a professional moving company usually ranges from $949 to $3,016. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,605 and $4,604. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,123 to $6,001 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Tampa to Tallahassee?
If you’re moving from Tampa to Tallahassee and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $683 to $1,781. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,291 and $2,320. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,736 to $2,993.
How much is a moving truck from Tampa to Tallahassee?
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 $360 and $599. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $356 to $739. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Tampa to Tallahassee, rental prices generally fall between $487 and $870.
How far in advance should I book Tampa-to-Tallahassee movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Tampa to Tallahassee 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-Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?
If you want to save money on your move to Tallahassee, 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.
