Best Salinas to Tampa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Salinas to Tampa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,822 mile move from California to Florida go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 22 Salinas to Tampa moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Let's Get Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas compared to Tampa. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Salinas to Tampa Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Let's Get Moving9.149.26Authorized For HHGContact
2Two Men and a Truck9.068.51Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Mod Movers8.808.1Authorized For HHGContact
4Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
5Cardinale Moving & Storage7.617.06Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Salinas to Tampa

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,822 miles from Salinas, CA to Tampa, FL will cost on average $4,181 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Tampa move is roughly $10,110. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,802300 ft³9.34
1 Bedroom$4,181450 ft³9.29
2 Bedrooms$6,931750 ft³9.24
3 Bedrooms$10,1101100 ft³9.19
4 Bedrooms$14,6261600 ft³9.14
5+ Bedrooms$16,3641800 ft³9.09
*Please note: These California to Florida moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Florida. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to FL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tampa to Salinas guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salinas to Tampa Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Let's Get Moving Logo

Let's Get Moving

Exceptional9.14/10
based on 1,825+ data points

6599 Haines Rd N

St. Petersburg, FL, 33702

About Let's Get Moving

This locally-owned moving company has been serving the St. Petersburg, FL, area since 2004. Let's Get Moving is a well-known Florida...

Services

  • Commercial moving services
  • Residential moving services
  • Local moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2270761 / 775415

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved78,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Exceptional9.06/10
based on 5,201+ data points

2549 Seven Springs Blvd

New Port Richey, FL, 34655

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck is a full-service, national moving company in Florida with over 35 years of experience. With a...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2113690 / FF-19726 812151

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers13
Total Annual Miles Moved310,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.80/10
based on 1,087+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.34/10
based on 527+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Cardinale Moving & Storage Logo

Cardinale Moving & Storage

7.61/10
based on 366+ data points

11360 Commercial Pkwy

Castroville, CA, 95012

About Cardinale Moving & Storage

Cardinale Moving & Storage is owned and operated by the Cardinale family who has lived on the Monterey peninsula for well...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Moves within California
  • Interstate moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

45193 / 138022

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Salinas vs. Tampa Neighborhood Comparison

The purpose of this comparison is to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline. By comparing popular neighborhoods in one city with the closest similar neighborhood in the other, you'll get a sense of what areas in Tampa, FL might feel like the neighborhoods you're used to in Salinas, CA & Tampa, FL.

SalinasTampaHow They're Similar
North SalinasNew TampaSuburban feel, family-friendly
South SalinasSouth TampaHistoric district, charming homes
Oldtown SalinasYbor CityRich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife
CreeekbridgeWestchasePlanned community, green spaces
Santa RitaSeminole HeightsEclectic vibe, trendy cafes
LaurelwoodHyde ParkUpscale shopping, dining
Monte BellaCarrollwoodDiverse community, parks
AlisalRiverside HeightsUrban revitalization, new developments
HarrodChannel DistrictModern living spaces, waterfront views
BorondaPort TampaNaval history, close to waterfront

If you enjoy the suburban feel and family-friendly atmosphere of North Salinas, you'll find New Tampa to be a great match. With a variety of parks, sports facilities, and schools, it's designed for family living. If the rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife of Oldtown Salinas appeal to you, check out Ybor City. With its historic brick buildings, cigar shops, and trendy bars, it offers a unique experience. Fans of eclectic neighborhoods like Santa Rita will love Seminole Heights, known for its trendy cafes and local craft breweries. Finally, if you appreciate upscale shopping and dining as found in Laurelwood, Hyde Park in Tampa will not disappoint. Its mix of high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants makes it a popular destination.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Tampa

Moving from Salinas, CA to Tampa, FL involves significant changes. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Unpredictable weather
  • Limited nightlife
  • Lack of waterfronts
  • Traffic congestion
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • More affordable housing
  • Sunnier, consistent climate
  • Vibrant nightlife scene
  • Near beaches and bays
  • Smoother commute options
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Far from tech hubs
  • Humid summers
  • Less farm-fresh produce
  • Higher hurricane risk
  • More spread out
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Proximity to Silicon Valley
  • Moderate weather
  • Rich agricultural setting
  • Lower hurricane risk
  • Close-knit community

While Tampa's vibrant nightlife and sunny beaches like Clearwater Beach offer a stark contrast to Salinas, the move does bring some downsides. Salinas boasts close-knit neighborhoods and a rich agricultural background, which means fresh produce at places like Oldtown Salinas Farmers’ Market is unparalleled. On the flip side, Tampa's proximity to popular areas such as Ybor City and the array of culinary delights in places like Hyde Park Village present new experiences. However, the humid summers and higher hurricane risk should be considered as you decide on this significant relocation.

Salinas vs. Tampa Food Guide

Food is an important part of local culture and contributes greatly to what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we'll provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Salinas & Tampa to help you be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.

SalinasTampa
Most iconic local food itemArtichokesCuban Sandwich
Most popular meat dishSteakGrouper Sandwich
Most popular street food itemElote (Mexican Street Corn)Tacos
Most popular vegan foodAceitunas (Marinated Olives)Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ellis Ranch
  • 800 Grilling
  • Casa Lettos
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Salinas, you’ll find the area's agricultural roots reflected in dishes like Elote (Mexican street corn) and marinated olives from local markets. For a taste of iconic Salinas cuisine, visit neighborhoods around downtown where you could drop in at Ellis Ranch known for their innovative takes on classic dishes. Moving to Tampa, expect a broader variety of food trucks and vegan options, especially around the downtown and Channelside neighborhoods. You simply must try the Cuban Sandwich from Columbia Restaurant, and don’t miss grabbing some tacos from local street vendors. Tampa also offers a rich foodie scene, making it a haven for culinary enthusiasts.

Salinas vs. Tampa Restaurant Comparison

Food is important for making an area home. This restaurant comparison will help someone find their new favorite eateries by using their current hometown as a guide. Discover the dining spots that best match your favorite places in Salinas, CA in your new city, Tampa, FL.

SalinasTampaWhat You'll Love
Steinbeck House RestaurantUleleCelebrates local history and flavors, much like Steinbeck House honors John Steinbeck
First AwakeningsOxford ExchangeExceptional brunch and cozy atmosphere
The Fish HopperOystercatchersGreat seafood with stunning water views
PatriaBern’s Steak HouseOffers extensive wine lists and gourmet dishes
La Casa del SazonLa TeresitaAuthentic, affordable Mexican cuisine
Elli’s Great American RestaurantDatzOffers comfort food with a modern twist
Gino’s Fine Italian FoodDonatello Italian RestaurantTraditional Italian fare
Portobello’sMise en PlaceInnovative dishes and fine dining experience
Shogun Japanese RestaurantNoble RiceExceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine
Michael’s Grill & TaqueriaTaco BusUnique take on Mexican favorites

For a special dining experience, you'll find Ulele in Tampa mirrors Salinas' Steinbeck House Restaurant, celebrating local history and flavors. If you love the brunch at First Awakenings, the cozy atmosphere at Oxford Exchange will make you feel right at home. Craving seafood? Both The Fish Hopper and Oystercatchers offer spectacular water views and fresh seafood dishes. And for a lavish night out, visit Bern’s Steak House, reminiscent of the gourmet experience at Patria in Salinas, complete with an extensive wine list. These comparisons can seamlessly guide you to new favorites in Tampa, making your relocation a culinary adventure.

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Salinas vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know how the housing markets in Salinas, CA, and Tampa, FL compare. Understanding the cost, styles, and lifestyle options in these cities can help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonSalinasTampa
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish ColonialBungalow/Art Deco
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to farmland, family-friendlyProximity to beaches, vibrant nightlife

When comparing housing in Salinas and Tampa, you'll notice significant differences in cost and lifestyle. Homes in Salinas tend to be pricier, with a median home price significantly higher than that of Tampa. If you enjoy an outdoor, coastal lifestyle, Tampa may offer more of what you're looking for with its higher walkability and bikeability scores. Additionally, Tampa's vibrant nightlife is a stark contrast to the more family-friendly environment of Salinas. For those who appreciate architectural styles, Salinas boasts charming Spanish Colonial homes, while Tampa offers a mix of bungalows and Art Deco structures. You can explore the unique flavor of Tampa's neighborhoods by visiting popular local spots like the Armature Works.

Salinas vs. Tampa Weather Considerations

When you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the weather will compare to what you are used to. This comparison between Salinas and Tampa will help you prepare for your new environment and make the transition smoother.

Summer icon
73°F / 55°F

Salinas, CA

90°F / 75°F

Tampa, FL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
63°F / 43°F

Salinas, CA

70°F / 52°F

Tampa, FL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15 inches

Salinas, CA

50 inches

Tampa, FL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 inches

Salinas, CA

0 inches

Tampa, FL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSalinasTampa
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year269 days246 days
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Salinas to Tampa, you will notice a significant change in the average summer temperatures, with Tampa being much warmer. While both cities have high humidity levels, Tampa has a higher UV Index, making sun protection more crucial. Additionally, Tampa experiences more annual rainfall compared to Salinas, and you'll need to be prepared for hurricane season, which is a stark contrast to the earthquakes that are more common in Salinas.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salinas to Tampa

If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This comparison between Salinas, CA and Tampa, FL will help you better prepare for the financial implications of your move.

ComparisonSalinasTampa
Avg. Household Income$80,154$63,404
Cost of Living Index136.492.4
State Income Tax13.3%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.74%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax9.25%8.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Education, HealthcareHealthcare, Finance, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessPrevalentNoticeable

Moving from Salinas, CA to Tampa, FL can bring about significant financial changes. The cost of living in Salinas is notably higher compared to Tampa, largely due to California's higher State Income Tax and general cost index. While Salinas boasts a higher average household income, Tampa residents benefit from no state income tax and a lower overall cost of living. Additionally, Tampa's economy thrives on industries like healthcare and tourism, contrasting with Salinas' agricultural focus.

Salinas vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison

The purpose of this comparison is to provide you with a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This overview will help you understand the differences and similarities between the communities in Salinas & Tampa .

SalinasTampa
Political Make-upGenerally more liberalGenerally more conservative
Local PoliticsPredominantly DemocraticMix of Republican and Democratic
ReligionPredominantly Roman CatholicDiverse: Protestant, Catholic, and other faiths

When moving from Salinas to Tampa, you'll notice a shift in the political landscape. Salinas is generally more liberal and predominantly Democratic, whereas Tampa exhibits a mix of Republican and Democratic influences. Additionally, the religious makeup in Salinas tends to be mainly Roman Catholic. In contrast, Tampa offers a more diverse array of religious affiliations, including a significant number of Protestant and Catholic congregations. This awareness can help you better acclimate and understand your new community.

Salinas vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

For those contemplating a move, understanding the daily commute and traffic dynamics can play a huge role in making an informed decision. This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Salinas & Tampa to help you better understand what your daily travel might look like in each city.

ComparisonSalinasTampa
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2530
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPlausible

While the average commute time in Salinas is slightly shorter at 25 minutes compared to Tampa's 30 minutes, you might find traffic congestion to be a bit worse in Tampa. Tampa scores higher in public transit availability with several bus and trolley options, which can make life without a car more feasible. Salinas, on the other hand, has a more limited public transit system, making it more challenging to rely solely on buses.

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