Best Chicago to Tampa Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Chicago to Tampa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,210 mile move from Illinois to Florida go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 49 Chicago 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 606 Movers, Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago 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.
Best Chicago to Tampa Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Let's Get Moving | 9.14 | 9.26 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Two Men and a Truck | 9.06 | 8.51 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to Tampa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,210 miles from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL will cost on average $2,810 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Tampa move is roughly $6,759. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,888 | 300 ft³ | 6.29 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,810 | 450 ft³ | 6.24 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,646 | 750 ft³ | 6.19 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,759 | 1100 ft³ | 6.14 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,752 | 1600 ft³ | 6.09 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,881 | 1800 ft³ | 6.04 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tampa to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Tampa Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
315 S Harrison St
Geneva, IL, 60134
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
Let's Get Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2270761 / 775415 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 78,000 (2023) |
Two Men and a Truck
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2113690 / FF-19726
812151 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 13 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 310,000 (2023) |
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.
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.
Chicago vs. Tampa Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating to a new city can be overwhelming. By comparing Chicago, IL & Tampa, FL local neighborhoods, we aim to help you familiarize yourself with Tampa by using Chicago as a baseline.
| Chicago | Tampa | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Hyde Park | Tree-lined streets, historic homes |
| Wicker Park | Seminole Heights | Trendy, artsy vibe |
| Gold Coast | Harbour Island | Upscale, luxury living |
| Lakeview | South Tampa | Vibrant, family-friendly |
| Logan Square | Ybor City | Hip, artistic community |
| Old Town | Historic Ybor | Rich history, cobblestone streets |
| River North | Channelside | Dynamic nightlife, modern living |
| South Loop | Downtown Tampa | Urban, business-centric |
| Streeterville | Westshore | Shopping hub, urban amenities |
| Bucktown | Riverside Heights | Trendy, eateries and chic shops |
If you love the vibrant atmosphere of Wicker Park, with its local art galleries and hip cafes like Intelligentsia Coffee, you'll be right at home in Tampa's Seminole Heights, known for its artistic community and popular spots like The Independent Bar and Café. Similarly, those who enjoy the upscale, luxury living in Chicago's Gold Coast will find Harbour Island to be its Tampa equivalent, offering elegant waterfront homes and the posh dining experience at Café Dufrain. For fans of Chicago's historic Logan Square, the vibrant cultural scene and historic architecture of Ybor City, including landmarks like The Columbia Restaurant, offer a similar vibe.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Tampa
Moving from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL is an exciting journey involving a significant change in environment. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation. By analyzing the pros and cons, these charts seek to aid in your decision-making process, offering a clearer perspective on what awaits in both cities.
Chicago, IL- Cold winters
- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Dense population
Tampa, FL- Warmer climate
- More affordable
- Less congestion
- Spacious living
Tampa, FL- Quieter nightlife
- Less diverse
- Fewer museums
- Car-dependent
Chicago, IL- Vibrant nightlife
- Cultural diversity
- World-class museums
- Extensive public transit
Relocating from Chicago's bustling streets to Tampa's sunny shores brings notable changes. In Chicago, neighborhoods like Wicker Park buzz with eclectic bars and restaurants, offering a vibrant cultural scene. Similarly, institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago provide enriching experiences that are hard to match. Conversely, Tampa's laid-back atmosphere is reflected in its spacious suburbs and the serene Tampa Riverwalk. The cost of living benefits and warmer weather in Tampa allow for a more relaxed lifestyle, with outdoor activities year-round at places like Bayshore Boulevard, showcasing the city's beautiful vistas. While Tampa might not match Chicago's dense cultural tapestry, it offers its charm with abundant outdoor activities and a growing arts scene.
Chicago vs. Tampa Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Tampa, illustrating the vibrant and diverse food scenes in both cities. Food plays a significant role in understanding the culture and lifestyle of a place, and through this comparison, you'll be well-equipped to dive into the culinary delights awaiting you in your new city.
| Chicago | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-dish pizza | Cuban sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Deviled Crab |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style hot dog | Empanadas |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan wings | Jackfruit tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Chicago and Tampa both boast unique culinary scenes, reflective of their cultural diversity and historical influences. In Chicago, neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square are hotspots for foodies, where you can indulge in innovative vegan dishes or enjoy the traditional, meaty sustenance of Italian Beef sandwiches. On the other hand, Tampa’s historical Ybor City is not only famous for its Cuban sandwiches but also offers a taste of local seafood favorites, such as Deviled Crab. Each city’s iconic restaurants, like Alinea in Chicago or Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, provide quintessential dining experiences, capturing the essence of their respective food scenes. Whether you're moving from the Windy City's bustling avenues or heading to Tampa’s sunny shores, each city offers a mix of health-conscious eateries, food trucks, and a vibrant foodie scene to explore.
Chicago vs. Tampa Restaurant Comparison
Relocating to a new city isn't just about finding a new home; it's also about discovering where you'll make your new favorite dining memories. Food plays a pivotal role in making an area feel like home. That's why we've curated this restaurant comparison, guiding you from the familiar flavors of Chicago to your next culinary love in Tampa . Whether you're in search of luxurious dining experiences, casual bites, or iconic eateries, this guide aims to ease your transition by matching you with Tampa's equivalents to Chicago’s beloved restaurants.
| Chicago | Tampa | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Bern's Steak House | Both offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on fine wines and exceptional service. |
| Portillo's | Datz | Americana comfort food with a creative twist, resembling Portillo’s diverse menu. |
| Girl & The Goat | Rooster & the Till | A hip, foodie haven focusing on inventive small plates and local ingredients. |
| Giordano’s | Eddie & Sam's NY Pizza | Known for their authentic New York-style pizza, a close rival to Chicago's deep-dish staple. |
| The Purple Pig | Cena | Modern Italian dishes served in a chic setting, paralleling the innovative Mediterranean flare of The Purple Pig. |
| Joe’s Seafood | Oystercatchers | Specializes in fresh seafood and fine dining, reminiscent of Joe's upscale, maritime offerings. |
| Chicago Cut Steakhouse | Charley’s Steakhouse | Both are known for their prime cuts of beef, elegant ambiance, and top-notch service. |
| Big Star | Taco Bus | Offers a laid-back atmosphere with high-quality tacos, capturing the essence of Big Star’s casual, yet trendy vibe. |
| Do-Rite Donuts | Dough | Gourmet doughnuts that creative palettes will appreciate, akin to the unique offerings of Do-Rite. |
| Rickshaw Republic | Bamboozle Café | A focus on fresh, healthy Asian cuisine that brings the vibrancy of Rickshaw Republic's Indonesian fare to Tampa. |
When delving deeper into the culinary landscapes of Chicago and Tampa, the carefully selected Tampa establishments stand out not just for their cuisine, but also for their atmospheres and community presence. Bern's Steak House, for example, rivals Alinea's fine dining experience, offering guests a notable wine collection and meticulously crafted dishes. On the more casual end, Datz serves up comfort food with a unique twist, similar to the much-loved Portillo's in Chicago. It’s these nuances—the local ingredients at Rooster & the Till echoing the innovative spirit of Girl & The Goat or the authentic flavors at Eddie & Sam's NY Pizza challenging Giordano's deep-dish dominance—that make Tampa not just a new place to live, but a new place to thrive gastronomically.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate plays a crucial role in the process of relocating. Understanding how Chicago, IL and Tampa, FL stack up against each other in terms of housing cost, architecture, walkability , and other factors, can profoundly influence your moving decisions.
| Comparison | Chicago | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Chicago School, greystones | Spanish Revival, modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to public transit | Waterfront, outdoor living spaces |
While contemplating your move from Chicago to Tampa, it's essential to dive deeper into what these differences in housing entail. In Chicago, you might find the architecture deeply rooted in historical significance, with Chicago School designs and classic greystones marking the city's aesthetic. Tampa offers a more modern appeal with its Spanish Revival buildings. Walkability and bikeability in Chicago are comparatively higher, which could greatly influence your daily life if you enjoy meandering through the city's vibrant streets. Tampa's allure often lies in its waterfront properties and the emphasis on outdoor living, reflecting a blend of suburban comfort with the benefits of city amenities. Deciding between the urban vibrancy of Chicago and Tampa's laid-back, scenic lifestyle might come down to personal priorities in housing and local culture.
Chicago vs. Tampa Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL, comparing the weather is crucial to adapting to your new environment. This comparison will shed light on Chicago's temperamental seasons versus Tampa's consistent warmth , helping you to understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Chicago, IL
Tampa, FL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Tampa, FL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Tampa, FL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Tampa, FL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Tropical Storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While Tampa offers a warm retreat with an average of 246 sunny days a year, Chicago's diverse seasons present a different charm, with snow in winter and mild summers . Transitioning to Tampa's higher humidity and year-round allergy season can be a challenge for some newcomers. Additionally, Tampa's risk of hurricanes contrasts with Chicago's winter blizzards, requiring different preparations for natural disasters . Understanding these differences will help smooth your transition and prepare you for the vibrant life that awaits in Tampa.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Tampa
When considering a move from one city to another, like from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL, it's essential to compare the financial aspects of each location. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and average income will change can help you make a well-informed decision.
| Comparison | Chicago | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $63,404 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 92.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.97 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 8.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Retail, Finance |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Moderately affluent |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
Moving from Chicago to Tampa, you'll find notable financial differences. One of the most significant is the absence of a state income tax in Florida, offering immediate savings on your earnings. Additionally, the cost of living in Tampa is notably lower than in Chicago, with a nearly 10-point difference in the cost of living index. However, the average household income is also lower in Tampa, which is an important factor to consider. Moreover, despite the lower average property and sales taxes, industry opportunities vary, with Tampa having a strong presence in healthcare and retail sectors, compared to Chicago's finance and manufacturing industries. These differences paint a complex picture of what financial life might look like after your move.
Chicago vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison
In making the move from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Chicago & Tampa is key. This brief overview aims to provide you with a quick snapshot of the political leanings and religious landscape of the residents in these cities.
| Chicago | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Tends Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies favored | Mixed; progressive and conservative |
| Religion | Diverse; significant Catholic population | Diverse; notable Christian majority |
When comparing Chicago to Tampa, you'll find notable differences in both local politics and religious landscapes. Chicago tends to be more uniformly Democratic and progressive, which is reflected in its policies and local government actions. On the other hand, Tampa has a somewhat more mixed political scene, blending both progressive and conservative values, depending on the issue at hand. Religion in both cities shows diversity, however, Tampa exhibits a stronger Christian presence among its population. These characteristics influence the community atmosphere, social attitudes, and policy priorities – aspects you might want to consider as you plan your move.
Chicago vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago to Tampa requires adjusting to different living conditions, including the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Tampa . This guide will help you better understand what to expect during your daily commute and how traffic might affect your daily life.
| Comparison | Chicago | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes, with effort | Challenging |
In Chicago, the transit system is a viable alternative to driving, with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offering extensive bus and train services throughout the city. This makes it somewhat easier to live without a car, despite the city's higher traffic congestion score. On the other hand, Tampa’s lower average commute time might look appealing, but the city’s reliance on vehicles is pronounced due to its sparse public transit options. Even though Tampa is gradually improving its public transportation network, including services like the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), navigating daily life without a personal vehicle can still present challenges.
Additional Resources
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