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($1,104) Cost to Move From Chapel Hill, NC to Tampa, FL

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Quick answer: A typical 678-mile move from Chapel Hill to Tampa runs $584 – $5,694 and takes about one to six days. Costs vary based on how much you’re moving, when, and if you hire a company or go DIY.

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

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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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Best movers by type

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Best professional movers from Chapel Hill to Tampa

A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Chapel Hill to Tampa far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.

Chapel Hill has 27 interstate moving companies, here are our top picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to get you moving to Tampa without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

What moving services are available in Chapel Hill?toggle

To understand what’s realistic in your area, use this table as a guide. It compares service availability in Chapel Hill to all of NC and to the national picture, making it easier to identify easy wins and potential gaps.

Service Chapel Hill (Count) Chapel Hill (%) NC (Count) NC (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 28 100% 111 96% 2,833 98%
Unpacking 28 100% 110 95% 2,798 96%
Fragile-only packing 7 25% 29 25% 718 24%
Packing materials 21 75% 80 69% 1,684 58%
Storage
Long-term 24 85% 88 76% 2,499 86%
Climate-controlled 10 35% 34 29% 977 33%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 13 46% 62 53% 1,884 65%
Art 8 28% 41 35% 1,398 48%
Antiques 8 28% 38 33% 1,401 48%
Piano 20 71% 78 67% 2,173 75%
Hot tub 7 25% 20 17% 670 23%
Pool table 10 35% 36 31% 941 32%

How we chose the best movers NC→FL moverstoggle

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 115 North Carolina moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
  • Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
  • Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
  • Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The best local movers for Chapel Hill to Tampa moves

It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Chapel Hill that also handles long-distance moves to Tampa. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Chapel Hill who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Chapel Hill to Tampa.

  1. Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. The Armstrong Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
82.4% of all reviews were positive
16.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and satisfied customers paint Miracle Movers as a standout among moving companies—of 255 reviews, 82.4% shine with positive feedback. Customers consistently praise the efficient service, careful handling, professional crews, speedy moves, and clear communication. Many note the company excels at protecting belongings and making stressful transitions feel easy.
On the other hand, the most consistent complaints are about damage to household items, slow or lacking responses to claims, and occasional unexpected or higher charges at billing. Despite these issues, negative comments account for less than one-fifth of feedback, considerably lower than industry averages. For most clients, Miracle Movers reliably delivers a prompt, safe move with friendly staff, putting it well ahead of many competitors who struggle with service consistency and trust.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 656-4043

Company Info

State license #: 2894

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2461529

Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.7% of all reviews were positive
4.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process.
Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
53.1% of all reviews were positive
46.9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving stands out for movers who work quickly, handle items with care, and maintain a friendly, professional attitude. Over half the feedback highlights a smooth, efficient moving process. Customers appreciate reliable scheduling, approachable staff, and fast service—traits that compare well to industry standards.
Some clients, though, face problems like damaged belongings, unexpected charges, or late arrivals. Main complaints point to carelessness with items, delays, and surprise fees. A number of customers also had trouble with customer service responsiveness during issues. While many would recommend Bellhop for efficient, courteous movers, those with damaged goods or billing issues experienced significant frustration. Out of 32 customer inputs, 53% were positive, suggesting the company often delivers strong results but still has areas needing improvement.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 246-4318

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
43.0% of all reviews were positive
54.7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day stories with All My Sons Moving & Storage sway more negative than positive, based on 539 pieces of customer feedback—only 43% were favorable. Customers praised efficient service, professional interactions, and movers who worked quickly, handled belongings with care, and remained courteous under pressure. Many also valued the upbeat attitude of staff, and the careful attention to fragile items.
Yet, complaints stand out: over half the input points to repeated issues like damaged items, surprise costs, and poor company communication. People described feeling frustrated with broken furniture, unplanned extra fees, and lack of reliable updates or follow-up when things went wrong. Compared to other well-reviewed movers in the region, All My Sons struggles with service consistency. Positive experiences can be top-notch, but negative incidents with accountability and transparency are far too common for a professional moving company. Those considering this company should be vigilant about extra charges and check all belongings for damage before signing off at the end of a move.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 626-8854

Company Info

State license #: 2261

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
83.1% of all reviews were positive
15.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy sums up most feedback on Armstrong Relocation. After reviewing 195 customer reviews, 83% described their experience positively. Customers praise the professionalism and courtesy of the staff, efficient and careful service, and constant communication throughout the process.
Armstrong’s teams are repeatedly recognized for protecting property, arriving promptly, and making stressful moves much simpler—attributes that help them stand out from many competitors. Several customers strongly recommend them for both local and cross-country moves. Some negative accounts, however, highlight significant issues like damaged belongings, shipment delays, and a breakdown in communication after booking. Reports of mishandled items, late deliveries, and unhelpful claim service surfaced in over 15% of feedback, which affected trust for those users. Compared to other companies, Armstrong receives more consistent positive praise for staff courtesy and care, but major problems are disruptive for some clients. Most users experienced stress-free moves, but there are still a number who cautioned against trusting valuable items to the company, especially for complex or high-value moves.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 425-9853

Company Info

State license #: 641

Years in Business: 29

DOT #: 1170867

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Chapel Hill to Tampa?

The average hourly rate for movers in North Carolina is $145. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,104 – $3,696 $795 – $1,793 $552 – $944
2 – 3 bedrooms $2,205 – $5,694 $1,390 – $2,665 $584 – $1,191
4+ bedrooms $3,928 – $7,869 $1,934 – $3,458 $686 – $1,400
Based on 678 miles and prior averages, these price estimates are only a guide. The true cost will reflect your move size, any additional services, ease of truck access, and broader market or availability factors.

Cost to hire movers from Chapel Hill to Tampa

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chapel Hill to Tampa will cost between $1,104 and $3,696. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chapel Hill to Chapel Hill will range from $2,205 to $5,694, and a large move from Chapel Hill to Tampa will cost from $3,928 to $7,869.

Cost of moving containers from Chapel Hill to Tampa

If you’re moving from Chapel Hill to Tampa, expect to pay between $795 and $1,793 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,390 up to $2,665. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,934 and $3,458. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chapel Hill to Tampa

Renting a moving truck from Chapel Hill to Tampa is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $552 and $944. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $584 and $1,191. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $686 up to $1,400 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Key factors that influence moving costs from Chapel Hill to Tampa toggle

The cost of Chapel Hill movers will depend on:

  • The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,736, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,938.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chapel Hill, which means higher prices.
  • The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($552–$1,297) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Tampa

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tampa runs about 44% higher for singles and 69% higher for families than Chapel Hill.

Singles spend around $3,232 in Chapel Hill versus $2,248 in Chapel Hill; families pay $8,108 compared with $4,790.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Chapel Hill Tampa
Average 1 BR rent $1,325 $1,967
Average 3 BR rent $3,433 $3,616
Average home value $592,460 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $65,621 $66,802
Unemployment rate 3.2% 5.0%
Sales tax 7.5% 6.5%
State income tax 4.5% 0.0%
  • Budgeting for a move from Chapel Hill to Tampa won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
  • Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 37% less in Tampa than in Chapel Hill.
  • Fortunately, the average income in Tampa and Chapel Hill is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 44% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • When relocating to Tampa, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 69% greater than in Chapel Hill.
  • In Tampa, the unemployment rate is approximately 56% higher than in Chapel Hill, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
  • Sales taxes drop 13% in Tampa compared to Chapel Hill, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
  • 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.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chapel Hill and Tampa:

Living Expense Chapel Hill Tampa
Basic utilities $156.99 $239.17
Cell phone plan $55.25 $71.60
Dozen eggs $4.53 $4.59
Loaf of bread $4.04 $4.09
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $15.00 $20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $80.00 $95.00
Gym membership $42.00 $38.00
  • Basic utilities cost less in Chapel Hill than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chapel Hill than in Tampa.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Chapel Hill than in Tampa.
  • Bread costs less in Chapel Hill than in Tampa.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Chapel Hill than in Tampa.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Chapel Hill than in Tampa.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Chapel Hill than in Tampa.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Tampa

Chapel Hill Tampa
Population 63,764 403,364
Transportation score 6 8
Walkability score 34 51
Bike friendliness score 50 51
Crime index 26.42 46.15
Safety index 73.58 53.85
Air quality Moderate Good
  • Tampa’s population is about 533% greater than Chapel Hill.
  • Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Chapel Hill’s score of 6.
  • Tampa is more walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill’s 34 out of 100.
  • Both Tampa and Chapel Hill have similar bike-friendliness scores (50 vs 51), meaning Tampa is about as safe for cyclists as Chapel Hill. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
  • Tampa’s crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 46.15 compared to Chapel Hill’s 26.42. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
  • Tampa is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 53.85 vs Chapel Hill’s 73.58.
  • Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Chapel Hill it’s Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill to Tampa move

  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status 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: 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Where to live in Tampa

Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The 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

Once you’re settled into your new home in Florida, it’s time to get out and discover what Tampa has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

  • 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, and Museum of Science and Industry.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Chapel Hill to Tampa?toggle

The best time to move from Chapel Hill to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chapel Hill.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Tampa?toggle

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chapel Hill to Tampa, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chapel Hill to Tampa take?toggle

Moving from Chapel Hill, NC to Tampa, covers 678 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Chapel Hill movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tampa.

Who can move pianos or antiques in Chapel Hill?toggle

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 20 movers in Chapel Hill advertise piano moving expertise. 8 movers in Chapel Hill provide antique moving services. State totals show 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,173 and 1,401.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.

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