($599+) Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Tampa, FL, runs anywhere from $599 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,515 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 899 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,666, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,515 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,042 - $3,542, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $599 - $1,585.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Tampa, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,348 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL
Moving options from Arlington to Tampa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,348 - $5,234 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 899 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 899-mile route from Arlington to Tampa, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,666 - $4,392 | $1,042 - $1,908 | $599 - $1,154 | $998 - $1,825 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,348 - $5,234 | $1,467 - $2,845 | $666 - $1,385 | $1,184 - $2,298 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,675 - $7,515 | $1,972 - $3,542 | $835 - $1,585 | $1,517 - $3,009 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 899-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida, with costs ranging from $1,666 - $7,515. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $420 - $2,800. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Arlington and Tampa. Local movers in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,666 - $4,392
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,348 - $5,234
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,675 - $7,515
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Arlington to Tampa.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tampa, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $700 - $7,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $280 - $1,680/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $420 - $3,360 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,400 - $4,200 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,500 - $14,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,049 - $1,992 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,400 - $3,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,120 - $4,900 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $420 - $2,100 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $910 - $2,800 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $420 - $21,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $420 - $4,900+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Tampa?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Professional Movers Association of Florida is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Arlington, VA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida, cost between $1,042 and $3,542. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tampa. If you go over that window, storage in Arlington adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,042 - $1,908
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,467 - $2,845
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,972 - $3,542
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $980 in Arlington, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $105 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $210 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tampa, FL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Florida move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,042. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,467 - $2,845.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Tampa?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Arlington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 899 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida, running $599 - $1,585. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $400 - $458
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Tampa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $599 - $1,154
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $666 - $1,385
- 4+ bedrooms: $835 - $1,585
Pro tip: A rental truck from Arlington to Tampa looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $599 - $1,585. But once you factor in fuel ($400 - $458), overnight lodging ($210/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $210 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Arlington, Virginia, usually costs about $980 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 899-mile drive falls between $400 and $458, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $70 and $420 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Tampa?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Tampa, FL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Arlington, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,184 and $2,298.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $998 - $1,825
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,298
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,517 - $3,009
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $980.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $105 and $210 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Tampa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Tampa, FL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tampa, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 104 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,930/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $372,114 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $71,302/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 53.85/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa, FL to Arlington, VA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Florida, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 304 movers licensed in Virginia, useful context for sizing up this 899-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Arlington, VA, to Tampa, FL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,666 for a studio to $7,515 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 899-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,042 - $3,542. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $599 - $1,585, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,348 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bloomin' Brands and Sykes Enterprises.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Tampa, FL
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Arlington?
Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tampa run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Florida?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tampa?
For families, Bayshore Beautiful, Bayshore Gardens, and Beach Park are worth a look in Tampa. If you're moving solo or without kids, Channel District, Courier City-Oscawana, and Downtown tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Tampa?
Tampa has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 51, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.