Best Tampa to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Tampa to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,826 mile move from Florida to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Tampa to San Jose moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is D&L Movers), 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 Tampa compared to San Jose. 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 Tampa to San Jose Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1D&L Movers9.349.36ActiveContact
2Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
3Let's Get Moving9.139.26Authorized For HHGContact
4Two Men and a Truck9.068.51Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Pride Moving8.499.11Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Tampa to San Jose

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,826 miles from Tampa, FL to San Jose, CA will cost on average $4,184 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Tampa to San Jose move is roughly $10,119. 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$2,805300 ft³9.35
1 Bedroom$4,184450 ft³9.30
2 Bedrooms$6,937750 ft³9.25
3 Bedrooms$10,1191100 ft³9.20
4 Bedrooms$14,6381600 ft³9.15
5+ Bedrooms$16,3781800 ft³9.10
*Please note: These Florida to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Florida & California. 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 FL to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Tampa guide.

Compare the 5 Best Tampa to San Jose Movers

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

D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ data points

1563 Bahama Way

Campbell, CA, 95008

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
1
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Let's Get Moving Logo

Let's Get Moving

Exceptional9.13/10
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
3
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
4
P

Pride Moving

Fabulous8.49/10
based on 225+ data points

Tampa, FL

About Pride Moving

Pride Moving is a family-owned and operated moving company with over 20 years of experience, serving the Tampa Bay area and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Cross-Country Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1835336 / 665351

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved380,557 (2023)
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.

Tampa vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To help bridge that gap, we've prepared a guide comparing Tampa, FL & San Jose, CA neighborhoods . Whether you're seeking a vibrant downtown atmosphere or a serene suburban community, this comparison will help you find a similar vibe in your new city. Let's find your next favorite neighborhood!

TampaSan JoseHow They're Similar
Hyde ParkWillow GlenCharming, historic homes
SoHo (South Howard Ave)Downtown San JoseBustling nightlife, dining
Seminole HeightsThe AlamedaDiverse, artsy community
Davis IslandsAlmaden ValleyAffluent, scenic views
Ybor CityJapantownRich history, vibrant culture
ChannelsideSantana RowModern, upscale shopping
Bayshore BeautifulRose GardenElegant homes, lush landscapes
Palma CeiaLos GatosQuaint, luxurious atmosphere
WestchaseEvergreenFamily-friendly, ample parks
New TampaSilver CreekSpacious homes, community feel

In transferring from Tampa to San Jose, you'll find neighborhoods teeming with unique charms and characteristics reminiscent of your old haunts. If you're enraptured by the historic and vibrant atmosphere of Hyde Park, Willow Glen's tree-lined streets and historic homes will feel delightfully familiar. Meanwhile, the bustling nightlife and eclectic dining of SoHo find a counterpart in Downtown San Jose, where a dynamic urban vibe pulses through streets like Santa Clara Street. For those drawn to the artsy and diverse character of Seminole Heights, The Alameda district offers an eclectic mix of art, culture, and cuisine, featuring spots like the San Pedro Square Market. And for the beach lovers moving away from Davis Islands' picturesque waterscapes, Almaden Valley offers breathtaking natural beauty, with Almaden Quicksilver County Park providing a nearby escape into nature. As you embark on this new chapter, these neighborhoods hold the promise of new favorites, from restaurants and parks to community events and local markets, ensuring the transition feels like discovering a home away from home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tampa to San Jose

Moving can be both an exciting adventure and a daunting task. This guide offers a balanced comparison to help you weigh the pros and cons of relocating from Tampa, FL to San Jose, CA . Whether you're seeking better opportunities, a change of scenery, or a new lifestyle, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of this move is crucial to making an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Higher humidity
  • Less tech jobs
  • Lower wages
  • Frequent hurricanes
  • Limited cultural diversity
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Lower humidity
  • More tech jobs
  • Higher wages
  • Less natural disasters
  • Greater cultural diversity
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • No beaches nearby
  • Cooler winters
  • Faster-paced lifestyle
  • Fewer outdoor options
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Lower cost of living
  • Beaches nearby
  • Warm winters
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Outdoor activities

Moving from Tampa to San Jose introduces you to a dynamic tech hub nestled in Silicon Valley, fostering career growth in innovation sectors. San Jose's diverse cultural landscape is felt through its array of international restaurants, festivals, and the renowned San Jose Museum of Art. Contrasting Tampa's scenic beaches and the tranquility of Lettuce Lake Park, San Jose offers urban parks like the Guadalupe River Park and the historic sights of Japantown. While the costs may rise, the amenities, professional networks, and lifestyle in San Jose present compelling reasons for the move. Adaptation is part of the journey, and amid San Jose's bustling streets, you'll find community spaces and tech innovations that could redefine your concept of home.

Tampa vs. San Jose Food Guide

When considering a move, food is a significant element of any area's culture and daily life. With this in mind, we've prepared a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between Tampa & San Jose to help you understand the culinary scene you're stepping into.

TampaSan Jose
Most iconic local food itemCuban SandwichPho
Most popular meat dishGator BitesCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemEmpanadasTacos
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBanh Mi Chay (Vegan Banh Mi)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Columbia Restaurant
  • Bern's Steak House
  • Ulele
  • Original Joe's
  • Manresa
  • La Foret Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Tampa, the Cuban sandwich reigns supreme as the must-try local food, ideally savored in historic Ybor City, often referred to as the heart of Tampa's dining scene. San Jose, by contrast, is well-known for its Vietnamese cuisine, with Pho being a local favorite, particularly in the vibrant neighborhoods like Little Saigon. San Jose's food trucks and vegan options are a testament to the city's diverse and health-conscious population. Whether it's the historic Columbia Restaurant in Tampa or the high-end dining experience at Manresa in San Jose, each city offers a unique culinary journey that reflects its cultural diversity and history.

Tampa vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in making a place feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants from Tampa, FL, to their counterparts in San Jose, CA, aims to help you find new favorite eateries transitioning from Tampa to San Jose . Whether you're craving high-end dining, casual eats, or iconic food spots, this guide has got you covered.

TampaSan JoseWhat You'll Love
Bern's Steak HouseLe PapillonFine dining and high-quality steaks
Columbia RestaurantLa Foret RestaurantOffers a similar historical and unique dining experience
UleleOrchard City KitchenInnovative and locally sourced dishes with a social vibe
DatzSan Pedro Square MarketEclectic dining and casual atmosphere
Edison: Food+Drink LabLB Steak Santana RowModern American cuisine with a touch of innovation
The RefineryPlumed HorseFarm-to-table dishes with elevated cuisine
Oxford ExchangeManresa BreadCafé and bakery with high-quality, artisanal offerings
Rooster & the TillSingle BarrelFocus on farm-to-fork with a modern twist
La Terrazza RestaurantDi Matteo'sAuthentic Italian dining with a cozy atmosphere
Mise en PlacePrototypeModern culinary experiences with creative dishes

Embarking on your culinary journey in San Jose starts with exploring the city's rich dining landscape, where innovation meets tradition. Le Papillon offers the same high-quality dining experience as Bern's Steak House, where every dish is carefully prepared to exceed expectations. Also, the ambiance of La Foret Restaurant exudes a charm similar to the historic Columbia Restaurant, ensuring a memorable dining experience bound by tradition and excellent cuisine. Lastly, Orchard City Kitchen captures the essence of Ulele's innovative and locally sourced dishes but adds a distinctly San Jose flavor, making it a must-visit for seekers of culinary adventures in their new home city.

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Ready to start your move?

Tampa vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts any relocation. Comparing Tampa, FL, and San Jose, CA, helps you understand key differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyles. This comparison is crucial for making an informed decision about your move.

ComparisonTampaSan Jose
Typical Architecture StyleMediterraneanModern and Mission Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront, poolsTechnology-ready homes, sustainability features

When contrasting housing between Tampa and San Jose, the stark differences in median home prices and monthly rents stand out, reflecting San Jose's significantly higher cost of living. However, this is balanced by San Jose’s appeal in terms of its modern architecture, higher walkability, and bikeability scores, which cater to a more active and urban lifestyle. Potential homebuyers in Tampa are drawn to Mediterranean-style homes with pools and waterfront views, exemplifying Florida's relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle. Conversely, listings in San Jose frequently highlight homes ready for the tech-savvy, with a focus on sustainability, underscoring the city's heart in Silicon Valley and commitment to innovation.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.

2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.

3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.

Tampa vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Tampa, FL to San Jose, CA, understanding how the weather differs between these locations is crucial. This comparison will illuminate variations in climate, giving you a clearer expectation of your new environment.

Summer icon
90°F / 76°F

Tampa, FL

82°F / 58°F

San Jose, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
70°F / 52°F

Tampa, FL

60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44.8"

Tampa, FL

15.5"

San Jose, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Tampa, FL

0"

San Jose, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonTampaSan Jose
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, ThunderstormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In transitioning from Tampa's warm, humid climate to San Jose's milder and drier conditions, you'll experience a significant change in both temperature and humidity. San Jose enjoys more days of sunshine per year, albeit with cooler temperatures, particularly in winter. The potential for natural disasters also shifts from hurricanes and thunderstorms in Tampa to earthquakes and wildfires in San Jose. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for new seasonal challenges, including varying air quality and predominant allergies in each area.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from Tampa, FL to San Jose, CA, it's crucial to grasp how the shift will impact your finances. This comparison chart lays out key monetary and economic factors to give you a clear picture of what to expect in terms of living expenses, taxation, and the general economic environment in both cities.

ComparisonTampaSan Jose
Avg. Household Income$63,404$126,377
Cost of Living Index92.4156.1
State Income Tax0%up to 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.97%0.79%
Avg. Sales Tax7%9.25%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Healthcare, FinanceTechnology, Manufacturing, Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessSignificantSignificant

Increasing your understanding of the financial differences between Tampa and San Jose will be key to a smooth transition. For starters, you'll face a marked increase in the cost of living when moving to San Jose. The average household income in San Jose far exceeds that of Tampa, reflecting the high cost of living and affluence in the region. However, it's important to note the presence of state income tax in California, which can reach up to 13.3%, a stark contrast to Florida's 0% state income tax. Additionally, while sales taxes are higher in San Jose, property taxes are somewhat lower than in Tampa. Understanding these nuances will help you better prepare for your move financially.

Tampa vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Tampa & San Jose offers a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of their residents, facilitating an easier transition for individuals relocating from Tampa, FL to San Jose, CA.

TampaSan Jose
Political Make-upModerately liberalVery liberal
Local PoliticsDiverse representation, with a mix of Democratic and Republican officialsStrong Democratic lean in local government
ReligionMix of Protestant, Catholic, and Non-religious local faith communitiesHigh diversity including Catholic, Buddhist, and non-religious sectors

When moving from Tampa to San Jose, you'll find yourself transitioning from a moderately liberal environment to one that is significantly more liberal, especially in terms of local governance. San Jose's political landscape is almost uniformly Democratic, reflecting the city's progressive values. In terms of religion, both cities offer a diverse range, but you might notice a higher prevalence of non-religious individuals and unique religious communities in San Jose, reflecting its broad cultural diversity. This comparison helps set your expectations and assists in a smoother adaptation to your new home.

Tampa vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Tampa, FL, to San Jose, CA, offers a fresh perspective and new challenges. To better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, this comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Tampa & San Jose is essential for anyone looking to adjust to their new city efficiently.

ComparisonTampaSan Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)25.430.3
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes, but challenging

Moving between cities requires adjusting to varying traffic and public transit systems. Tampa residents often find that a personal vehicle is necessary due to lesser public transit options, with an average commute time of 25.4 minutes and moderate traffic congestion. In contrast, San Jose, with its slightly higher traffic congestion and longer average commute times at 30.3 minutes, provides better public transit options. Though getting by without a car in San Jose is more feasible than in Tampa, it remains challenging. This highlights the importance of understanding local transportation dynamics to plan your daily commute effectively in your new city.

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