($605+) Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Tampa, FL, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $605 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,115 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 899 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,628, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,115 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,042 - $3,651, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $605 - $1,666.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tampa, FL, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,991 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Tampa to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,991 - $5,163 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 69% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 899 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 899-mile route from Tampa to Arlington, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,628 - $3,798 with full-service movers, $1,042 - $2,049 with a container, $605 - $1,177 with a rental truck, or $968 - $1,753 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,991 - $5,163 full-service, $1,382 - $2,649 by container, $614 - $1,331 by rental truck, or $1,072 - $2,142 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,340 - $7,115 full-service, $1,953 - $3,651 by container, $803 - $1,666 by rental truck, or $1,441 - $2,980 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Tampa, Florida, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,628 and $7,115. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 899-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $384 - $2,560, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Tampa and Arlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tampa tend to start around $266 plus $84/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tampa to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,628 - $3,798
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,991 - $5,163
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,340 - $7,115
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Tampa to Arlington.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Tampa movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $640 - $6,400 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage | $256 - $1,536/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $384 - $3,072 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,280 - $3,840 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,200 - $12,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $959 - $1,821 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 3 Guys Moving | $1,280 - $3,200 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Golden Movers LLC | $1,024 - $4,480 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $384 - $1,920 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $832 - $2,560 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $384 - $19,200+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $384 - $4,480+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tampa to Arlington?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Tampa, FL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Tampa, Florida, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,042 and $3,651. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Tampa runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tampa to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,042 - $2,049
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,649
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,953 - $3,651
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tampa, FL and Arlington, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $896 in Tampa, FL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $96 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $192 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Florida to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,042. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,382 - $2,649.
What are the best moving containers Tampa to Arlington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Tampa to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Tampa:
- Strong College Students Moving (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 899-mile move from Tampa, Florida, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $605 and $1,666, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $366 - $418
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Tampa daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.60 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tampa to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $605 - $1,177
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $614 - $1,331
- 4+ bedrooms: $803 - $1,666
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $605 - $1,666 when pricing out a rental truck from Tampa to Arlington. Fuel alone runs $366 - $418, and overnight lodging ($192/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $96 and $448.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $192.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $366 and $418 for the 899-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $896 for 2 movers in Tampa, Florida, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tampa to Arlington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA
If you're moving a larger household from Tampa, Florida, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Arlington, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,072 and $2,142.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tampa to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $968 - $1,753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,142
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,441 - $2,980
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $96 - $192 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tampa, Florida, typically costs $896.
What are the best freight companies from Tampa to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Tampa on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tampa, FL | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,930/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $372,114 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $71,302/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 53.85/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Florida to Virginia in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 885 movers based in Florida, handy for sizing up options on this 899-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tampa, FL, to Arlington, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,628 - $7,115 on the 899-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,042 - $3,651 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $605 - $1,666 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,991 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Tampa, FL, to Arlington, VA
What are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Tampa?
Local movers based in Tampa typically start around $266 as a base rate, plus $84/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Arlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $605 to $7,115, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,628 and $7,115, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Tampa movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Tampa handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.