Best overall value
Local moving companies in Chicago
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Tampa
What to know before moving from Chicago to Tampa
Moving from Chicago to Tampa means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Tampa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Tampa so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,930 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tampa are 6% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Tampa are 25.5% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Tampa is 6.7% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa — including Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tampa. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 11.4% lower than in 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 12.5% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the city's sales taxes in Tampa are 36.59% lower than in Chicago.
- One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,657.89 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Tampa
| Tampa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 46.15 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 53.85 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa's population is about 85% less than Chicago.
- Tampa's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher 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 51 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- 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.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Tampa move
- 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Florida, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Tampa
Now that you've decided to make the move to Big Guava, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tampa.
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 getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it's time to see what Tampa is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tampa, such as the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
- 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Tampa?
The best time to move from Chicago to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Tampa?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Tampa in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chicago to Tampa take?
The 1,171-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL, takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tampa.
