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 868 mile move from West Virginia to Florida go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 16 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 Ready Set Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 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 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Let's Get Moving | 9.13 | 9.26 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Two Men and a Truck | 9.06 | 8.51 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Central Van Lines | 8.16 | 8.11 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Two Men and a Truck | 7.70 | 7.26 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Charleston to Tampa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 868 miles from Charleston, WV to Tampa, FL will cost on average $2,519 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Tampa move is roughly $6,048. 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 | $1,695 | 300 ft³ | 5.65 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,519 | 450 ft³ | 5.60 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,161 | 750 ft³ | 5.55 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,048 | 1100 ft³ | 5.50 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,718 | 1600 ft³ | 5.45 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,717 | 1800 ft³ | 5.40 |
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)
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) |
Central Van Lines
37 Jacobson Dr
Poca, WV, 25159
About Central Van Lines
Whether you’re moving across the street or across the globe, Central Van Lines knows how to get your belongings safely where...
Services
- Local and long-distance moving services
- Residential moving services
- Commercial moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1243887 / 11266 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 44 |
| Registered Drivers | 35 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 487,000 (2019) |
Two Men and a Truck
2410 Air Park Rd
North Charleston, SC, 29406
About Two Men and a Truck
Since 1997, Two Men and a Truck has been the go-to moving company for families and businesses in North Charleston, SC....
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Junk Removal
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3402685 / 1095537 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (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
Discover the best ways to transition between two cities by comparing local neighborhoods between Charleston, WV & Tampa, FL . This will help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your current home as a baseline.
| Charleston | Tampa | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East End | Hyde Park | Historic charm, vibrant culture |
| South Hills | South Tampa | Upscale, family-friendly ambiance |
| Kanawha City | Westshore | Suburban vibe, access to amenities |
| North Charleston | Seminole Heights | Revitalized with artsy community |
| Fort Hill | Ybor City | Historic, lively nightlife |
| The Flats | Channel District | Urban living, entertainment hub |
| Elk City | Downtown Tampa | Booming business district, cultural attractions |
| West Side | Carrollwood | Suburban dwellings, golf courses |
| Glen Elk | Cypress | Cozy residential area, local businesses |
| Shoals | New Tampa | Suburban developments, natural parks |
If you're relocating from the vibrant East End of Charleston, where the community and historic architecture thrive, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Hyde Park. Known for its beautiful historic homes and bustling cultural scene, Hyde Park boasts unique boutiques and excellent dining options such as Daily Eats. For those who enjoy the family-friendly ambiance and upscale amenities of South Hills, South Tampa offers picturesque neighborhoods and is home to the reputed Zudar's on Platt. Alternatively, if Kanawha City's suburban vibe and proximity to amenities attract you, Westshore's bustling community and proximity to popular shops and eateries will make you feel right at home. Finally, those enamored with Fort Hill's lively nightlife will appreciate Ybor city's dynamic atmosphere, brimming with nightlife and entertainment options.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Tampa
Considering a move from Charleston, WV to Tampa, FL? This guide provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes associated with relocating from Charleston to Tampa . Explore how life changes with this relocation and weigh the pros and cons through comprehensive charts.
Charleston, WV- Limited job market
- Cold, harsh winters
- Limited nightlife
- Less diverse cuisine
- Fewer beach attractions
Tampa, FL- Strong job growth
- Warmer climate
- Vibrant nightlife
- Rich culinary scene
- Gulf Coast beaches
Tampa, FL- Higher expense
- Busy highways
- High humidity
- Less history
- Hurricane risk
Charleston, WV- Lower cost of living
- Traffic is manageable
- Less humid summers
- Historical charm
- Fewer hurricanes
Moving to Tampa from Charleston presents opportunities and challenges. For those in search of work, Tampa offers a vibrant job market bolstered by industries such as finance and healthcare. Neighborhoods like Hyde Park provide bustling social scenes with a wide range of dining options, unlike Charleston's limited selection. However, Tampa's cost of living is notably higher, particularly in areas like South Tampa, known for its upscale lifestyle. While both cities have unique historical elements, Charleston's storied charm leaves a lasting impression that is less prevalent in Tampa's modern ethos.
Charleston vs. Tampa Food Guide
Food is an essential part of local culture and reflects the lifestyle of an area. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between Charleston, WV and Tampa, FL to help you become more acquainted with the food scene in your new surroundings.
| Charleston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Peanut Butter and Pepperoni Roll | Cuban Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Hot Dogs with Slaw | Deviled Crab |
| Most popular street food item | Loaded Nachos | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Chili | 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 offers a rich and flavorful food culture, exemplified by its iconic Cuban Sandwich, available in famous spots like the historic Ybor City. You'll also find a vibrant food truck scene providing adventurous options like fish tacos. On the other hand, Charleston presents a more traditional menu with comforting favorites such as the peanut butter and pepperoni roll, a testament to its unique culinary landscape. If you're more veer towards veganism, Tampa’s South Howard Avenue boasts a diverse array of vegan-friendly eateries, providing options like jackfruit tacos.
Charleston vs. Tampa Restaurant Comparison
Food is crucial for making an area feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help you find your new favorite eateries by using your current hometown as a guide, providing insights into the top restaurants in Charleston and the closest comparable spots in Tampa .
| Charleston | Tampa | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Chop House | Bern's Steak House | Renowned for its exquisite steak offerings |
| Bluegrass Kitchen | Ulele | Farm-to-table cuisine with a local twist |
| Lola's Pizza | Fabrica Pizza | Craft pizza with artisanal flair |
| Pies & Pints | Independent Bar and Cafe | Unique pizza paired with diverse beers |
| Swiftwater Cafe | Oxford Exchange | Relaxed cafe perfect for brunch and coffee |
| Mayberry's | Datz | Hearty comfort food with a twist |
| Black Sheep Burritos & Brews | Taco Dirty | Innovative and bold flavors in a casual setting |
| Bridge Road Bistro | Oystercatchers | Fine dining with a seafood focus |
| Tidewater Grill | Armani's | Upscale dining with emphasis on seafood |
| First Watch | Another Broken Egg Cafe | Comfortable breakfast and brunch options |
When it comes to high-end dining, Bern's Steak House in Tampa offers a level of steakhouse luxury that rivals what you’d find at The Chop House in Charleston. If you're missing the comfort and creativity of Bluegrass Kitchen's farm-to-table fare, then the similarly locally-sourced menu at Tampa’s Ulele is sure to satisfy. Pizza enthusiasts can take heart knowing Fabrica Pizza delivers artisanal slices reminiscent of Lola's Pizza, ensuring your taste buds are consistently delighted in your new hometown.
Ready to start your move?
Charleston vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts
Making the move from Charleston to Tampa involves understanding how housing elements vary between these two distinct locations. With cost , architecture , and walkability as crucial factors, this comparison aims to provide a concise overview of what to expect in both cities .
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Spanish Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Porches | Pools |
When moving to Tampa from Charleston, you'll notice a significant increase in both median home prices and rental costs, reflective of Tampa's booming real estate market. The typical architecture in Charleston leans towards Colonial styles, providing a more historic feel, whereas Tampa offers distinct Spanish Revival homes that relate to its coastal vibe. Tampa's higher walkability and urban lifestyle scores are appealing for those seeking a more vibrant and bustling community, perfect for enjoying local amenities like Walker's City Adventures. Bike enthusiasts will also find Tampa's infrastructure more accommodating, making it an ideal city for cycling enthusiasts.
Charleston vs. Tampa Weather Considerations
If 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 guide will help you understand the Charleston and Tampa climates so you can plan accordingly.
Charleston, WV
Tampa, FL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, WV
Tampa, FL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, WV
Tampa, FL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, WV
Tampa, FL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate to Good |
| Natural Disasters | Floods, Winter storms | Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
The shift from Charleston to Tampa offers a substantial change in winter climate. Charleston experiences cold winters with an average low of 27°F, while Tampa enjoys much milder temperatures averaging 55°F. Sunshine is more abundant in Tampa, with 244 days of sun per year compared to Charleston's 190. However, while Charleston has winter storms and floods as common natural disasters, you'll need to prepare for hurricanes when living in Tampa. The UV index is higher in Tampa, so sun protection will become crucial in your daily routine.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Tampa
Understanding the financial differences between Charleston, WV and Tampa, FL is crucial when planning your relocation. By evaluating factors such as income, living expenses, and local taxes, you can prepare yourself to navigate the economic landscape of your new home.
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | 44,940 | $63,404 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 92.4 |
| State Income Tax | 6.5 | 0.0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.59 | 0.83 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.0 | 7.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Energy, Chemical, Healthcare | Finance, Tourism, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Noticeable |
When relocating from Charleston, WV to Tampa, FL, you'll encounter a higher average household income, which can help offset Tampa's higher cost of living index. Notably, Tampa offers substantial relief through a 0% state income tax, a refreshing change from Charleston's 6.5%. However, expect more out-of-pocket expenses in Tampa with its higher average property and sales tax rates. While Charleston thrives in energy and chemicals, Tampa's economy is powered by finance and tourism, offering varied career options. Despite Tampa's higher affluence, be mindful of noticeable homelessness which requires compassion and community awareness.
Charleston vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison
The purpose of this section is to offer a brief snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents in Charleston, WV and Tampa, FL . Understanding these aspects can help you prepare for your move and integrate smoothly into your new community.
| Charleston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderate to Conservative | Liberal to Moderate |
| Local Politics | Charleston City Council | Tampa City Council |
| Religion | Predominantly Christian | Diverse Range |
When transitioning from Charleston to Tampa, you may notice a shift in political dynamics. Charleston tends towards a moderate to conservative outlook, while Tampa showcases a more liberal to moderate perspective. This difference can be seen in local politics, with each city's council reflecting its constituents' views. For those interested in community engagement, having links to the Charleston City Council and Tampa City Council might be helpful for understanding local governance. Religiously, Charleston is predominantly Christian, whereas Tampa offers a more diverse range of religious practices, providing a rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs to explore.
Charleston vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
If you're planning a move, understanding the daily commute and traffic can help ease your transition. This guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Charleston & Tampa , highlighting key differences that can impact your daily routine.
| Comparison | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 28 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
While Charleston's commute times might be shorter, Tampa presents diverse public transit options that are more robust, including buses, trolleys, and the TECO Line Streetcar. In Charleston, a car is often necessary due to limited transit availability, whereas Tampa's public transit system provides viable alternatives for getting around without a personal vehicle. Adjusting to Tampa's traffic congestion could require some patience, as it's rated higher than in Charleston. However, the convenience of public transport options can offset this challenge for many residents.
Additional Resources
Charleston Moving Services
Popular Charleston to Florida Routes
Popular Moving Resources
