Moving from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL: Movers and Cost

Last Updated: Jan 16, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL averages from $1,107 to $6,163 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Tampa, FL. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Tampa to Chicago guide.

Best Chicago to Tampa movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to Tampa.
How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
Chicago to Tampa car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 1,172 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Tampa?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,211 - $4,930	$1,214 - $2,273	$1,056 - $1,459
2 - 3 bedrooms	$2,567 - $6,163	$2,286 - $3,410	$1,107 - $1,706
4+ bedrooms	$4,208 - $8,075	$3,054 - $4,265	$1,386 - $2,036

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,172 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Tampa will depend on:

Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Who Are The Best Chicago to Tampa Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to Tampa?

To ship furniture from Chicago to Tampa with a mover will cost between $1,211 to $4,930. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,567 to $6,163, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Tampa will cost from $4,208 to $8,075.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Tampa?

Moving containers from Chicago to Tampa will cost you $1,214 to $2,273 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,286 to $3,410. A larger home will cost $3,054 to $4,265.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Tampa?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,056 to $1,459. A larger move will cost $1,107 to $1,706, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Tampa costs from $1,386 to $2,036.

How to ship a car from Chicago to Tampa

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable Chicago to Tampa car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
	Check prices	5 overall rating
	Check prices	4.75 overall rating
	Check prices	4.5 overall rating

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL a good idea?

Cost of Living: Chicago vs Tampa

	Chicago	Tampa
Average rent cost	$1,595	$1,679
Average home value	$306,098	$374,697
Average income (per capita)	$65,601	$57,709
Cost of Living (single person)	$1,001	$1,013
Cost of Living (family of 4)	$3,584	$3,611
Unemployment rate	9.0%	5.0%
Sales Tax	10.25%	7.5%
State Income Tax	4.95%	0.0%

source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo

Rent Prices in Tampa, FL are 5% higher than in Chicago, IL.
Home Prices in Tampa, FL are 22.4% higher than in Chicago, IL.
Income in Tampa, FL is 12.0% lower than in Chicago, IL.
Cost of Living for a single person in Tampa, FL is 1.2% higher than in Chicago, IL.
Cost of Living for a family is the same in Tampa, FL and Chicago, IL.
Unemployment rate in Tampa, FL is 44.44% lower than in Chicago, IL.
Sales Taxes in Tampa, FL are 26.83% lower than in Chicago, IL.
State Income Taxes in Tampa, FL are 100.00% lower than in Chicago, IL.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,964.0 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL?

	Tampa	Chicago
Population	384,959	2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score	8	9
Walkability score	51	77
Bike friendliness score	51	72
Crime Index	21.92	35.19
Safety Index	52.86	33.87
Air Quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Tampa’s population is about 86% less than Chicago.
Tampa’s public transportation is not as good as Chicago with a score of 8 vs 9.
Tampa is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 vs 77.
Tampa is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 51 vs 72.
Tampa's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 21.92 compared to 35.19.
Tampa is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 52.86 vs 33.87.
Air Quality in Tampa is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Tampa, FL

Weather: Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes. .
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 you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State Regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Tampa. Get started here.
Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Chicago Movers

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Bellhop most popular	Get A Quote	4.1 overall rating	125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 +13125613707
Moovers Chicago Inc	Get A Quote	4.96 overall rating	5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 +17734742691
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating	7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077 +18476751223