Moving from Buffalo, NY to Tampa, FL: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Buffalo, NY to Tampa, FL averages from $868 to $6,469 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Tampa, FL. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

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

• Best Buffalo to Tampa movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Buffalo to Tampa.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Buffalo to Tampa car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 1,233 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Tampa?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,233 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Buffalo to Tampa will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best Buffalo to Tampa Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Buffalo to Tampa?

To ship furniture from Buffalo to Tampa with a mover will cost between $1,231 to $4,945. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,768 to $6,469, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Buffalo to Tampa will cost from $4,719 to $8,783.

How much are moving container companies from Buffalo to Tampa?

Moving containers from Buffalo to Tampa will cost you $942 to $2,307 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,686 to $3,389. A larger home will cost $2,285 to $4,491.

How much is a moving truck from Buffalo to Tampa?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $802 to $1,532. A larger move will cost $868 to $1,822, and a 4+ bedroom move from Buffalo to Tampa costs from $1,091 to $2,221.

How to ship a car from Buffalo to Tampa?

If you're moving from Buffalo to Tampa and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Buffalo to Tampa car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from Buffalo, NY to Tampa, FL a good idea?

Cost of Living: Buffalo vs Tampa

• Rent Prices in Tampa, FL are 60% higher than in Buffalo, NY.
• Home Prices in Tampa, FL are 74.9% higher than in Buffalo, NY.
• Income in Tampa, FL is 5.5% lower than in Buffalo, NY.
• Cost of Living for a single person is the same in Tampa, FL and Buffalo, NY.
• Cost of Living for a family is the same in Tampa, FL and Buffalo, NY.
• Unemployment rate in Tampa, FL is 47.37% lower than in Buffalo, NY.
• Sales Taxes in Tampa, FL are 14.29% lower than in Buffalo, NY.
• State Income Taxes in Tampa, FL are 100.00% lower than in Buffalo, NY.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,973.6 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How is life different in Buffalo, NY to Tampa, FL?

• Tampa’s population is about 38% greater than Buffalo.
• Tampa’s public transportation is not as good as Buffalo with a score of 8 vs 7.
• Tampa is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 51 vs 67.
• Tampa is less bike-friendly than Buffalo with a score of 51 vs 63.
• Tampa's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 21.92 compared to 8.0.
• Tampa is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 52.86 vs 53.55.
• Air Quality in Tampa is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Tampa, FL

• 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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 verify a Florida moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Tampa. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Buffalo Movers

Visit our Best Movers in Buffalo page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Tampa, FL

Now that you've decided to make the move to "The Big Guava", these are the best neighborhoods in Tampa to move to.

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

What to do in Tampa

Moving to The “The Big Guava”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Florida home.

• Busch Gardens
• Sunshine Skyway Bridge
• Ybor City
• Big Cat Rescue
• Tampa Theatre
• Amalie Arena
• Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
• The Florida Aquarium
• Lowry Park Zoo
• Tampa Bay History Center

Get your sports on!

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
• Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
• Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)
• Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)
• Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL)

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Learn more about Tampa

• What Is The Cost To Move In Tampa?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Florida?
• Top 10 Cities for Young Families 2017
• Tips on Moving to Tampa, FL: Relocation Guide
• Best Moving Companies in Tampa, FL
• Best Moving Companies in Florida