Top-rated movers to make your Plano to Tampa move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Plano that offers long-distance services to Tampa can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 68 top local movers in Plano who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Plano to Tampa.
- AB Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Around the Block Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Fantastic Moves: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Wrightway Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 000571862B
Years in Business: 24
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 #: 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 #: 2166531
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2166531
Alternate Names: Around The Block Moving Company , A.T.B. Office Relocators, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
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
Company Info
State license #: 006034328C
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 1939415
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Plano to Tampa?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,149 – $4,890 | $866 – $2,156 | $689 – $1,271 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,683 – $5,933 | $1,490 – $2,947 | $798 – $1,670 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,351 – $8,554 | $2,117 – $3,972 | $936 – $1,936 |
Cost to hire movers from Plano to Tampa
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Tampa from Plano, you can expect prices to land between $1,149 and $4,890. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,683 to $5,933 for the trip from Plano to Tampa. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,351 and $8,554.
Cost of moving containers from Plano to Tampa
Moving containers from Plano to Tampa will cost you $866 to $2,156 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,490 to $2,947. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,117 to $3,972. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Plano to Tampa
Renting a moving truck from Plano to Tampa typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $689 and $1,271 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $798 to $1,670. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $936 to $1,936.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Plano to Tampa move
The cost of Plano movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,282 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,050 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Plano.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $689 to $1,825, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Plano to Tampa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tampa runs about 29% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Plano.
Singles spend around $3,232 in Plano versus $2,506 in Plano; families pay $8,108 compared with $6,078.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Plano | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,637 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,938 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $511,000 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,874 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,506 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,078 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Plano to Tampa, expect to find rent about 8% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 27% more affordable in Tampa compared to Plano.
- In terms of average income, Tampa and Plano are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Tampa, as living costs for a single person are 29% higher than in Plano. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 33% higher than in Plano.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is about 9% lower than in Plano. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 21% less in Tampa relative to Plano. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Neither Texas nor Florida has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Plano and Tampa:
| Living Expense | Plano | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $227.04 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.48 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.38 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.54 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $81.00 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Plano than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Plano than in Tampa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Plano than in Tampa.
- Bread costs less in Plano than in Tampa.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Plano than in Tampa.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Plano than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Plano than in Tampa.
How life is different in Plano vs. Tampa
| Plano | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285,494 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 51 |
| Crime index | 23.02 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 76.98 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa’s population is about 41% greater than Plano.
- Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Plano’s score of 2.
- Tampa is more walkable than Plano with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Plano’s 41 out of 100.
- Both Tampa and Plano have similar bike-friendliness scores (52 vs 51), meaning Tampa is about as safe for cyclists as Plano. 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 Plano with a score of 46.15 compared to Plano’s 23.02. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Plano neighborhoods are safer than 23.02%.
- Tampa is considered to be less safe than Plano with a score of 53.85 vs Plano’s 76.98.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Plano it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Plano to Tampa move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Florida’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tampa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tampa
Planning your move to The Big Guava? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Florida home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tampa features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Plano to Tampa?
Planning your move from Plano to Tampa? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Plano.
When is the cheapest time to move from Plano to Tampa?
Because most people are moving from Plano to Tampa in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Plano to Tampa take?
The 1,113-mile journey from Plano, TX to Tampa, , typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Plano offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Tampa.
Are there special savings available from movers in Plano?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 12 have discounts for military personnel. 9 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Plano?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Plano, 46 movers can manage piano relocations. 37 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Plano moving services
Popular Texas routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!