Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Tampa typically costs $2,500–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 899 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Tampa
Moving from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL typically costs $2,500–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 899-mile move from Arlington to Tampa, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $5,691 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,795 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,239 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 01, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Arlington to Tampa
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Arlington, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($700–$1,800) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Tampa movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Arlington to Tampa
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Arlington to Tampa, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best VA→FL movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 103 Virginia 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.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Tampa
Many movers find Tampa easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 53% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,232 for one person in Tampa versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $8,108 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Tampa from Arlington, you'll find that rent is roughly 29% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 54% less in Tampa than in Arlington.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 48% lower in Tampa compared to Arlington.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tampa. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 53% lower than in Arlington.
- Choosing to move to Tampa can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Arlington.
- In Tampa, the unemployment rate is approximately 25% higher than in Arlington, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 8% in Tampa over Arlington, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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 Arlington and Tampa:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Arlington than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Arlington than in Tampa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Arlington than in Tampa.
- Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Tampa.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in Tampa.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Arlington than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Tampa.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Tampa
| Arlington | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 51 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa's population is about 69% greater than Arlington.
- Tampa's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
- Tampa is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
- Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Tampa's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 46.15 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Tampa is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 53.85 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington 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 Arlington to Tampa?
The best time to move from Arlington to Tampa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Tampa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Arlington 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 Arlington to Tampa take?
Moving from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL covers 899 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Arlington movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tampa.
Which movers in Arlington give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 7 movers give special rates to military members. 14 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 Arlington?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 57 movers in Arlington advertise piano moving expertise. 44 movers in Arlington provide antique moving services. State totals show 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
