Best Charleston to Tampa Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Charleston to Tampa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 438 mile move from South Carolina to Florida go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 21 Charleston to Tampa 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 Smooth Move Charleston), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charleston 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 Charleston to Tampa Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smooth Move Charleston | 9.21 | 9.46 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Let's Get Moving | 9.13 | 9.26 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Two Men and a Truck | 9.06 | 8.51 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Armstrong Relocation | 8.15 | 7.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Charleston to Tampa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 438 miles from Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL will cost on average $1,831 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Tampa move is roughly $4,381. 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 | $1,233 | 300 ft³ | 4.11 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,831 | 450 ft³ | 4.07 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,019 | 750 ft³ | 4.03 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,381 | 1100 ft³ | 3.98 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,305 | 1600 ft³ | 3.94 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,017 | 1800 ft³ | 3.90 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tampa to Charleston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Tampa Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Smooth Move Charleston
4767 Rivers Ave
North Charleston, SC, 29405
About Smooth Move Charleston
With locations in Rock Hill and Charleston, South Carolina, Smooth Move is a locally owned and operated moving company that is...
Services
- Full Service Packing and Unpacking
- Short or Long Distance Moves
- Residential or Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2357653 / 834668 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2022) |
Ready Set Movers
454 Deanna Ln
Charleston, SC, 29492
About Ready Set Movers
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Ready Set Movers provides relocation services for both local and long-distance moves. Since...
Services
- Local and interstate moves
- Full-service moving
- Accurate and detailed estimates
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2150739 / 756179 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
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) |
Armstrong Relocation
7167 Cross County Rd
North Charleston, SC, 29418
About Armstrong Relocation
Established in 1957, Armstrong Relocation has long been a stalwart of the moving industry. Although based in Memphis, Tennessee, the company...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Employee Relocation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3528195 / 1173611 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (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.
Charleston vs. Tampa Neighborhood Comparison
This comparison aims to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your existing city as a baseline. We'll compare some of the most local neighborhoods between Charleston, SC & Tampa, FL .
| Charleston | Tampa | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| The French Quarter | Hyde Park | Historic architecture, walkable |
| Wagener Terrace | Seminole Heights | Artsy vibe, increasing popularity |
| South of Broad | Davis Islands | Exclusive homes, waterfront |
| Cannonborough/Elliottborough | Ybor City | Bohemian culture, nightlife |
| Ansonborough | Channelside | Waterfront views, modern living |
If you're enchanted by the historical allure of Charleston's French Quarter with its cobblestone streets and art galleries, you'll find a similar charm in Tampa's Hyde Park, known for its elegant, vintage architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Those who cherish Charleston's artistic and bohemian vibes in Wagener Terrace will appreciate the similar environment found in Seminole Heights, a neighborhood gaining popularity for its eclectic mix and community feel. For those who enjoy opulent living south of Broad with its antebellum homes, Tampa's Davis Islands offers a similar experience with its upscale, waterfront properties. Each of these neighborhoods provides unique dining experiences and scenic parks, such as Second Sunday on King Street in Charleston or a stroll along the serene Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Tampa
The purpose of this comparison is to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL . These insights will help you better understand what to expect and make an informed decision about your move.
Charleston, SC- High hurricane risk
- Limited public transportation
- Higher cost of living
- Summer humidity
Tampa, FL- Less hurricane threat
- Robust transit options
- More affordable housing
- Frequent sea breeze
Tampa, FL- Modern cityscape
- Chain retail heavy
- Fewer local eateries
- Busier coastlines
Charleston, SC- Historic charm
- Boutique shopping
- Culinary scene
- Accessible beaches
When transitioning from Charleston to Tampa, you'll notice notable differences in lifestyle and environment. Charleston's iconic historic charm can be a tough act to follow, but Tampa's vibrant Ybor City offers a lively mix of history and entertainment. While you might miss Charleston's culinary scene featuring renowned spots like Halls Chophouse, Tampa provides a diverse array of dining options that might surprise you. In terms of outdoor adventure, Tampa offers expansive parks such as Hillsborough River State Park, which boasts extensive trails and scenic views, making up for the hustle of its busier beaches compared to Charleston's more serene shores.
Charleston vs. Tampa Food Guide
Food is an essential aspect of local culture, offering insights into the way of life in different regions. By making a comparison of the local cuisine between Charleston & Tampa , you can gain a better understanding of the food scene in the area you're relocating to.
| Charleston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Cuban Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | She-Crab Soup | Grouper Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Empanadas |
| Most popular vegan food | Stuffed Acorn Squash | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
| |
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Tampa's culinary landscape is a vibrant experience for those relocating from Charleston. For instance, Cuban sandwiches are a local staple, often found in the historic Ybor City neighborhood. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Grouper Sandwich, commonly available in beachside eateries. Food trucks are an integral part of Tampa's culture, particularly thriving in regions such as Channelside. Additionally, the city boasts a burgeoning vegan scene, with spots like Ulele offering delightful dishes like jackfruit tacos. Tampa's energetic food atmosphere contributes to its reputation as a noteworthy foodie destination.
Charleston 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. For those moving from Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL , this guide will introduce you to the best culinary counterparts in your new city, making your transition smoother and delicious.
| Charleston | Tampa | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Husk | Ulele | Both focus on unique regional ingredients and historic ambiance |
| FIG | Rooster & the Till | Both offer innovative, hyper-local farm-to-table experiences |
| Bowens Island | Shells Seafood | Iconic spots famous for fresh, local seafood |
| Lewis Barbecue | 4 Rivers Smokehouse | Celebrated for their authentic, flavorful barbecue |
| Xiao Bao Biscuit | Bamboozle Cafe | Both offer creative spins on Asian-inspired dishes |
| Rodney Scott's BBQ | Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q | Known for classic, smoky barbecues |
| Fleet Landing | Oystercatchers | Waterfront dining with a seafood-centric menu |
| The Ordinary | Sea Salt | Known for high-end dishes centered around seafood and elevated dining experiences |
| Poe's Tavern | Hattricks | Both are casual dining favorites with a neighborhood tavern feel |
| Callie's Hot Little Biscuit | Butter's Burgers | Renowned for serving iconic, Southern comfort in handheld form |
Exploring your new culinary landscape will be an exciting journey. At Ulele in Tampa, you'll find a mix of historical charm and dedication to regional foods similar to what Husk offers in Charleston. For those who appreciate hyper-local, farm-fresh dishes, Rooster & the Till provides an innovative dining experience akin to FIG. And when your seafood cravings hit, both Bowens Island and Shells Seafood are iconic establishments celebrated for their fresh, locally-sourced seafood offerings, perfect for an authentic taste of the ocean's bounty.
Ready to start your move?
Charleston vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding housing differences between Charleston and Tampa is crucial when relocating. This comparison helps you make an informed decision by examining key factors like cost, architecture, and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Art Deco |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most Popular Items Mentioned in Real Estate Listing | Historic Charm | Beach Proximity |
While Charleston offers a higher median home price, the historic charm of its Colonial architecture often lures those in search of character-rich properties. In contrast, Tampa provides diverse housing options at a comparatively lower cost, with a focus on Art Deco-inspired designs. For those who value walkability and bikeability, Tampa stands out with greater accessibility, especially in vibrant neighborhoods like Ybor City and Hyde Park Village. Both cities offer unique lifestyle experiences, but Tampa's proximity to beaches remains a significant draw.
Charleston vs. Tampa Weather Considerations
If you're relocating from Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL , understanding the weather differences is crucial as they impact daily life and activities. This comparison will help you anticipate what to expect in your new environment, ensuring a smoother transition by aligning your expectations with the local climate conditions.
Charleston, SC
Tampa, FL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Tampa, FL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Tampa, FL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, SC
Tampa, FL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Charleston to Tampa, you'll find Tampa's winter temperatures to be milder with highs averaging 71°F compared to Charleston's 59°F, allowing for more outdoor activities during the winter months. Moreover, Tampa bathes in more days of sunshine annually, providing ample opportunity for sun-soaked adventures, though both cities share a high level of humidity. You will also encounter different environmental allergens in Tampa, such as ragweed, compared to Charleston. Living in Tampa means enjoying cleaner air quality and slightly less annual rainfall, enhancing outdoor experiences even further.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Tampa
If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This comparison between Charleston, SC and Tampa, FL will help you make informed financial decisions during your move.
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,139 | $63,404 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 92.4 |
| State Income Tax | 7% | 0% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.57% | 0.98% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9% | 7.5% |
| Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Tourism, Health | Healthcare, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Wealthy | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
Relocating from Charleston to Tampa will bring some notable changes in your personal finances. While Charleston has a higher average household income, Tampa offers an advantage with no state income tax, which could lead to significant annual savings. Property taxes are slightly higher in Tampa, which is something to budget for, particularly if you're planning on buying property. In addition, the cost of living index is lower in Tampa, meaning your money might stretch further in everyday expenses compared to Charleston. Understanding these differences will better prepare you for the financial transition.
Charleston vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison
To provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, we compare Charleston, SC with Tampa, FL. This comparison of the politics between Charleston & Tampa aims to help you understand the different cultural atmospheres in these vibrant cities.
| Charleston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately liberal | Moderately liberal to leaning conservative |
| Local Politics | Historically Republican with Democratic influence | Diverse range of political opinions |
| Religion | Predominantly Christian | Predominantly Christian with a growing Catholic population |
As you explore the differences in local politics between these two cities, Charleston’s political landscape is characterized by a blend of conservatism with emerging Democratic leanings, often reflected in their local initiatives and community projects. Meanwhile, Tampa's political scene caters to a broader spectrum, permitting a vibrant array of political opinions that influence local policy discussions. Moreover, while both cities share strong Christian roots, Tampa has seen a rise in its Catholic community, adding further diversity to its local religious landscape. This cultural dynamism contributes to the unique experiences offered in each city, from community gatherings to public events.
Charleston vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This comparison between Charleston and Tampa aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like by examining key aspects of driving and public transportation options in both cities.
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 27 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Possibly |
In Charleston, the average commute time is relatively short, thanks in part to moderate traffic congestion. However, public transit options are limited, which means having a car is usually necessary. In Tampa, while congestion is slightly higher, there is a more developed public transit system, offering a viable alternative for those without a car. Tampa residents might opt for the efficient bus and streetcar lines, allowing you to access popular areas without relying solely on a personal vehicle. Exploring local attractions like the Busch Gardens or the Florida Aquarium becomes easier, thanks to the city's transit infrastructure.
Additional Resources
Charleston Moving Services
Popular Charleston to Florida Routes
Popular Moving Resources
