($1,143) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Tampa

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Tampa from Chicago, you can expect prices to land between $1,143 and $4,517. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,647 to $6,059 for the trip from Chicago to Tampa. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,413 and $7,975.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Tampa

Moving containers from Chicago to Tampa will cost you $830 to $2,027 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,626 to $3,226. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,137 to $3,977. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Tampa

Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Tampa typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $742 and $1,344 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $803 to $1,713. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $988 to $2,108.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• When relocating from Chicago to Tampa, expect to find rent about 6% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
• Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Tampa are about 26% higher than those in Chicago.
• Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 7% lower in Tampa compared to Chicago.
• You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Tampa, as the cost of living for a single person is 11% lower compared to Chicago.
• A move to Tampa can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 12% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Tampa is about 44% lower than in Chicago. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes are 37% less in Tampa relative to Chicago. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
• Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Tampa’s population is about 85% less than Chicago.
• Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Tampa is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Tampa’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 46.15 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Tampa is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 53.85 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: Florida’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tampa. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Channel District
• Courier City-Oscawana
• Downtown
• Historic Ybor
• North Hyde Park

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bayshore Beautiful
• Bayshore Gardens
• Beach Park
• Oakford Park
• Sunset Park

Things to do in Tampa

After settling into your new Florida home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

• Arts and culture: Tampa features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Glazer Children’s Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, and Museum of Science and Industry.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL) game.