($764+) Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL, runs anywhere from $764 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,054 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,172 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $1,952, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,054 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,275 - $4,225, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $764 - $2,068.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,445 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Tampa: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,445 - $5,762. Containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 66% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,172 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,172-mile route from Chicago to Tampa, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,952 for a studio up to $8,054 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,275 - $4,225 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $764 - $2,068, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,060 - $3,380, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
For the 1,172-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Tampa, Florida, full-service movers cost between $1,952 and $8,054. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $316 - $2,104 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,952 - $4,526
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,445 - $5,762
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,074 - $8,054
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 Chicago to Tampa.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tampa, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $526 - $5,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,052 - $3,156 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,630 - $10,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $788 - $1,497 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $684 - $2,104 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,682+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Tampa?
All three below meet the standards set by the Professional Movers Association of Florida, the group most Florida movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chicago, IL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Tampa, Florida, cost between $1,275 and $4,225. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chicago typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,275 - $2,159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,595 - $3,070
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,073 - $4,225
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $736 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $79 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $158 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tampa, FL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Florida 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 $1,275. 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 $1,595 - $3,070.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Tampa?
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to Tampa, Florida, range from $764 - $2,068 for the 1,172-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $392 - $448
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to Tampa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $1,413
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $826 - $1,582
- 4+ bedrooms: $938 - $2,068
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $764 - $2,068 does not include fuel ($392 - $448), lodging ($158/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to Tampa typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $736.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $392 - $448 for the 1,172-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $63 and $342, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $158 per night for hotel stops on the 1,172-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $316 - $473.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Tampa?
- 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 Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Tampa, Florida. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $947 and $2,532.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,060 - $1,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,288 - $2,532
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,693 - $3,380
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Chicago, Illinois, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $736.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $79 - $158 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Tampa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chicago to Tampa, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL
Good news for your budget: Tampa isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Chicago. Cost of living index runs 104 there against 106 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 77/100 and 33.87/100 here versus 51/100 and 53.85/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Florida over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 314 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 1,172-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL, 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 $1,952 - $8,054 on the 1,172-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,275 - $4,225 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $764 - $2,068 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,445 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 Bloomin' Brands and Sykes Enterprises.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL
How walkable is Tampa?
Tampa has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 51, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tampa?
For families, Bayshore Beautiful, Bayshore Gardens, and Beach Park are worth a look in Tampa. If you're moving solo or without kids, Channel District, Courier City-Oscawana, and Downtown tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Florida?
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.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Tampa run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.