($1,367) Movers From Lafayette, LA to Tampa, FL

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Tampa

Moving from Lafayette to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Tampa is generally more expensive than Lafayette, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Tampa are 32% lower than in Lafayette, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
  Home prices in Tampa are 73.3% higher than in Lafayette.
• Income in Tampa is 12.3% higher than in Lafayette, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 81.1% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 92.7% higher than in Lafayette.
• The unemployment rate in Tampa is 13.79% lower than in Lafayette.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the city’s sales taxes in Tampa are 31.22% lower than in Lafayette.
• One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Lafayette.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,431.93 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Tampa

• The population of Tampa is about 232% greater than Lafayette, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Lafayette, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 3 in Lafayette. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Tampa means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lafayette. Tampa is considered more walkable than Lafayette, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 42 out of 100 in Lafayette. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Tampa is considered more bike-friendly than Lafayette in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Lafayette is rated as 47 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tampa as Lafayette. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Tampa is generally as safe as Lafayette, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Tampa and Lafayette is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Florida doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Tampa

Ready to relocate to "Big Guava"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tampa.

Helpful moving resources