$1,234 Movers From Houston to Tampa

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Houston, TX to Tampa, FL averages from $714 to $6,496 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Houston moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Tampa, FL.

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

Moving from Houston to Tampa resources

Moving 981 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

Houston movers charge $75 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,234 - $4,892 $875 - $2,007 $708 - $1,317
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,646 - $6,496 $1,494 - $2,907 $714 - $1,489
4+ bedrooms $4,313 - $7,905 $1,972 - $3,902 $950 - $1,922
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 981 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 Houston to Tampa will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Houston to Tampa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Houston to Tampa will cost between $1,234 to $4,892. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,646 to $6,496, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Houston to Tampa will cost from $4,313 to $7,905.

How much are moving container companies from Houston to Tampa?

Moving containers from Houston to Tampa will cost you $875 to $2,007 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,494 to $2,907. A larger home will cost $1,972 to $3,902.

How much is a moving truck from Houston to Tampa?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $708 to $1,317. A larger move will cost $714 to $1,489, and a four-bedroom move from Houston to Tampa costs from $950 to $1,922. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Houston to Tampa moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Houston to Tampa is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Houston to Tampa.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Houston to Tampa

Cost of living: Houston vs Tampa

Houston Tampa
Average rent cost $1,684 $1,952
Average home value $261,764 $379,142
Average income (per capita) $67,621 $59,893
Cost of Living (single person) $1,488 $1,013
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,313 $3,611
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.0%
Sales Tax 8.25% 7.5%
State Income Tax 0.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 16% higher than in Houston.
  • Home prices in Tampa are 44.8% higher than in Houston.
  • Income in Tampa is 11.4% lower than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 31.9% lower than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 32.0% lower than in Houston.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 21.95% higher than in Houston.
  • Sales taxes in Tampa are 9.09% lower than in Houston.
  • State income taxes are the same in Tampa and Houston.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,042.34 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How is life different in Houston compared to Tampa?

Tampa Houston
Population 384,959 2,301,572
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 51 47
Bike friendliness score 51 49
Crime Index 21.92 63.21
Safety Index 52.86 36.79
Air Quality Good Good
  • Tampa's population is about 83% less than Houston.
  • Tampa's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Houston's higher score of 5.
  • Tampa is more walkable than Houston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
  • Tampa is more bike-friendly than Houston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Houston's 49.
  • Tampa's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 21.92 compared to Houston's 63.21. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 21.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.21%.
  • Tampa is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 52.86 vs Houston's 36.79.
  • Air quality in Tampa is good, and in Houston it's good.

Considerations for moving to Tampa

  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 forwarded to Tampa. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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.

Local Houston movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Student Movers Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
8630 Lipan Road, Houston, TX, 77063
(713) 728-4900
Einstein Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
3011 Crossview Drive, Houston , TX, 77063
(346) 248-4206

Visit our best long distance movers in Houston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Tampa

Now that you've decided to make the move to "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

What to do in Tampa

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 is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
  • Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
  • Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)
  • Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)
  • Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL)

FAQs about moving from Houston to Tampa

When is the best time to move from Houston to Tampa?

The best time to move from Houston to Tampa is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 52ºF in Tampa.

When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Tampa?

Because most people are moving from Houston to Tampa in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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