The best local movers for Dallas to Tampa moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Dallas that also handles long-distance moves to Tampa. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 73 local movers in Dallas 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 Dallas to Tampa.
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- AB Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- AM Moving Company LLC: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Fantastic Moves: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 006519926C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2038052
Alternate Names: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000571862B
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1939700
Alternate Names: Baker Relocation, Inc. , AB Movers , AB Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006870171C
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2571411
Alternate Names: AM Moving Company, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 000521440B
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 1032910
Alternate Names: Lone Star Loaders, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Dallas to Tampa?
The average hourly rate for movers in Texas is $131. 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 | $1,196 – $4,938 | $866 – $2,030 | $703 – $1,325 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,528 – $5,994 | $1,536 – $3,224 | $745 – $1,622 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,221 – $8,147 | $2,138 – $3,850 | $994 – $1,994 |
Cost to hire movers from Dallas to Tampa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Dallas to Tampa will cost between $1,196 and $4,938. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Dallas to Dallas will range from $2,528 to $5,994, and a large move from Dallas to Tampa will cost from $4,221 to $8,147.
Cost of moving containers from Dallas to Tampa
If you’re moving from Dallas to Tampa, expect to pay between $866 and $2,030 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,536 up to $3,224. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,138 and $3,850. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Dallas to Tampa
Renting a moving truck from Dallas 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 $703 and $1,325. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $745 and $1,622. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $994 up to $1,994 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Dallas to Tampa
The cost of Dallas movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,259, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,838.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dallas, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($703–$1,807) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Dallas to Tampa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tampa runs about 14% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Dallas.
Singles spend around $3,232 in Dallas versus $2,828 in Dallas; families pay $8,108 compared with $7,793.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Dallas | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,616 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,504 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $303,900 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,828 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,793 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 9% higher in Tampa compared to Dallas; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 22% greater in Tampa than in Dallas.
- Fortunately, the average income in Tampa and Dallas 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 14% higher than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Tampa and Dallas, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- In Tampa, the unemployment rate is approximately 39% higher than in Dallas, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 21% in Tampa compared to Dallas, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Neither Texas nor Florida has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Dallas and Tampa:
| Living Expense | Dallas | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $227.04 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $76.44 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.76 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.69 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Dallas than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Dallas than in Tampa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Dallas than in Tampa.
- Bread costs less in Dallas than in Tampa.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Dallas than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Dallas than in Tampa.
How life is different in Dallas vs. Tampa
| Dallas | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,304,379 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 51 |
| Crime index | 51.4 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 48.6 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa’s population is about 69% less than Dallas.
- Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Dallas’s score of 6.
- Tampa is more walkable than Dallas with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Dallas’s 46 out of 100.
- Both Tampa and Dallas have similar bike-friendliness scores (49 vs 51), meaning Tampa is about as safe for cyclists as Dallas. 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 lower than Dallas with a score of 46.15 compared to Dallas’s 51.4. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 51.4%.
- Tampa is considered to be safer than Dallas with a safety index of 53.85 vs Dallas’s 48.6.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Dallas it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Dallas 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 Dallas to Tampa?
The best time to move from Dallas to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Dallas.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to Tampa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Dallas 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 Dallas to Tampa take?
Moving from Dallas, TX to Tampa, covers 1,102 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Dallas movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tampa.
Which movers in Dallas give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 12 movers give special rates to military members. 9 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Dallas?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 49 movers in Dallas advertise piano moving expertise. 40 movers in Dallas provide antique moving services. State totals show 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Dallas moving services
Popular Texas routes
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