Best overall value
Key factors that influence moving costs from Tacoma to Tampa
What to know before moving from Tacoma to Tampa
Moving from Tacoma to Tampa means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tacoma than in Tampa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Tacoma compares to Tampa so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tacoma | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $1,930 |
| Average home value | $477,289 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,133 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,260 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.3% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tampa are 17% higher than in Tacoma, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Tampa.
Home prices in Tampa are 22.2% lower than in Tacoma. - Income in Tampa is 8.9% lower than in Tacoma, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
- The cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 21.8% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 11.7% higher than in Tacoma.
- The unemployment rate in Tampa is 31.51% lower than in Tacoma.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tampa are 36.89% lower than in Tacoma.
- State income taxes are the same in Tampa and Tacoma.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,346.00 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Tampa
| Tampa | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 223,968 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 48 |
| Crime Index | 46.15 | 55.55 |
| Safety Index | 53.85 | 44.45 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Tampa is about 80% greater than Tacoma, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Tacoma, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Tacoma. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Tampa to be about as walkable as Tacoma. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 54 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- Tampa and Tacoma are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 51 and 48 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Tampa has a lower crime rate than Tacoma based on scores of 46.15 and Tacoma's 55.55, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Tacoma, based on Tampaโs safety index of 53.85 versus 44.45 for Tacoma. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Tampa and Tacoma is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma vs. Tampa move
- 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- 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 โ Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Florida doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tampa without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tampa
With your sights set on "Big Guava", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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 getting comfortable in your new Florida home, itโs time to see what Tampa is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tampa include museums and art centers like the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- 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), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Tampa?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tacoma to Tampa. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tacoma.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Tampa?
Because spring and fall moves from Tacoma to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Tacoma to Tampa take?
Covering 3,103 miles, the move from Tacoma, WA to Tampa, FL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Tacoma movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.
