Top local movers for Boston to Tampa moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Boston that also provides long-distance services to Tampa can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 96 local movers in Boston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Boston to Tampa.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 30293
Pricing: $199/hr
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 782104
Alternate Names: Michael’s Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2820253
Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Tampa?
Movers in Massachusetts generally charge an average of $126 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,217 – $4,809 | $975 – $2,325 | $789 – $1,632 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,584 – $6,477 | $1,678 – $3,451 | $915 – $1,923 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,946 – $8,401 | $2,323 – $4,276 | $1,084 – $2,143 |
Cost to hire movers from Boston to Tampa
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Boston to Tampa typically costs between $1,217 and $4,809. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,584 and $6,477 when moving from Boston to Tampa. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Boston to Tampa, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,946 up to $8,401.
Cost of moving containers from Boston to Tampa
If you’re relocating from Boston to Tampa, you’ll typically spend between $975 and $2,325 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,678 up to $3,451. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,323 and $4,276. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Tampa
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Boston to Tampa move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $789 and $1,632. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $915 to $1,923. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,084 and $2,143.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Boston to Tampa
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Boston to Tampa might be as low as $2,361, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,635.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Boston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $789 to $2,063 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Boston to Tampa
Many movers find Tampa easier on the wallet than Boston – roughly 33% less for singles and 28% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,232 for one person in Tampa versus $4,820 in Boston. For a family of four, it’s $8,108 compared with $11,304.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Boston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Tampa from Boston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 43% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 50% cheaper in Tampa, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 25% lower in Tampa than in Boston.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Tampa. The cost of living for a single person is 33% less compared to Boston.
- Relocating to Tampa could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 28% lower than in Boston.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 19% lower than Boston, Tampa boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Tampa and Boston (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Boston and Tampa, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Boston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Boston than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Boston than in Tampa.
- Eggs cost more in Boston than in Tampa.
- Bread costs less in Boston than in Tampa.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Boston than in Tampa.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Tampa.
How life is different in Boston vs. Tampa
| Boston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 51 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa’s population is about 40% less than Boston.
- Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
- Tampa is less walkable than Boston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 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 Boston, which has a score of 86.
- Tampa’s crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 46.15 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Tampa is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 53.85 vs Boston’s 60.12.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Boston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Boston to Tampa move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a Florida moving license through 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tampa without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Tampa
Ready to relocate to The Big Guava? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Florida, it’s the perfect time to explore Tampa. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tampa include museums and art centers like the Glazer Children’s Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, and Museum of Science and Industry.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Tampa?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Boston to Tampa. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Tampa?
With many people choosing to move from Boston 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 Boston to Tampa take?
Covering 1,346 miles, the move from Boston, MA to Tampa, typically takes three to eight days. Some Boston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tampa can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Boston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Boston can handle specialty items for my move to Tampa?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Boston, 86 movers can handle pianos. 57 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MA, there are 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Boston moving services
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