Best Tampa to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Tampa to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 1,211 miles from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Tampa. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Tampa entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Tampa to Chicago moving option

Hire local Tampa movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Tampa to Chicago move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Tampa to Chicago movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Tampa to Chicago moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 45 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Tampa and Chicago areas.

From these 45 companies, we analyzed a total of 30,671 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 32 state and federal moving licenses from these 45 companies and 231 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~30,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 20,555 Tampa to Chicago moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Two Men and a Truck).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Tampa to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.45/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 21,520 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.11/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 7,786 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.39/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 4,457 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.36/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 7,688 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.91/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 3,957 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.67/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 11,096 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.02/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 10,816 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.17/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 20,491 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.40/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 11,962 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.93/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 2,540 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.06/10 avg (Tampa & Chicago combined) from 10,592 reviews

From Tampa to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Hyde Park in Tampa & Hyde Park in Chicago are both known for their historic district near universities & parks
• Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood & Chicago's Logan Square both share bungalow homes & craft breweries
• If you're moving from Ybor City, check out Pilsen in the Chicago area for the Latino heritage & street art
• Do you enjoy Davis Islands' lakefront parks & family-friendly atmosphere? You're sure to love Lincoln Park
• Move from Harbour Island to Streeterville and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: waterfront hotels & dining
• Carrollwood & North Center are both known for their suburban feel & local schools
• Tampa's SoHo neighborhood & Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood both have nightlife & indie shops
• If you're moving from Channel District, look into River North for the high-rise living & nightlife
• Do you cherish living in Bayshore Beautiful's waterfront bike paths & residential areas? Move into Lakeview for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tampa to Chicago

ConsTampa, FL

• Less cultural diversity
• Longer summers
• More hurricanes
• Smaller job market

ProsChicago, IL

• Rich cultural diversity
• Distinct seasons
• Less natural disasters
• Larger job market

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Chicago, IL

• Colder winters
• No beach access
• Higher cost of living
• Faster-paced lifestyle

Tampa, FL

• Warmer winters
• Beach access
• More affordable living
• Relaxed lifestyle

Pros of moving from Tampa to Chicago

• Say goodbye to less cultural diversity and hello to rich cultural diversity
• Look forward to moving away from longer summers and moving to Chicago with distinct seasons
• Swap the more hurricanes of Tampa for fewer natural disasters in Chicago
• Get ready for a larger job market in Chicago

Cons of moving from Tampa to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warmer winters in Tampa to live with colder winters in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of no beach access
• Time to bid farewell to more affordable living and get used to a higher cost of living in Chicago
• Swap a relaxed lifestyle for a faster-paced lifestyle

Tampa vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Tampa to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Cuban Sandwich of Tampa for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Tampa rave about their flavorful Grouper Sandwich and sumptuous Deviled Crabs, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-Style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Cuban they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tampa eateries like Columbia Restaurant, Bern's Steak House, and Ulele. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Tampa. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Tampa. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Chicago.

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Tampa favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Bern's Steak House, Ulele, and Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, we're sure you'll love Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Girl & The Goat, and Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Tampa hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Edison Food+Drink Lab, head to Alinea on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tampa and Chicago

• The Spanish and Mediterranean architecture that Tampa is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Gothic Revival architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Tampa's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and waterfront views, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like loft spaces and lake views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Tampa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Tampa.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Tampa.
• Chicago housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Tampa, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Tampa’s $382,663.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 74% increase in Tampa.
• Rent in Chicago is 1.89% more affordable than in Tampa.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Tampa and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tampa to Chicago. Chicago gets 23% fewer sunshine days than Tampa.
• Chicago has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Tampa.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes in Tampa and be on the lookout for potential blizzards and cold waves in Chicago.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 5 degrees colder than in Tampa.
• The average winter lows are 34 degrees colder than they are in Tampa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 7.9 fewer inches of rain compared to Tampa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tampa and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 5% more than in Tampa
• The COLI in Chicago is 27% higher than what you are used to living in Tampa
• Bummer... By moving from FL to IL, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95%
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Tampa
• The poverty level is significant in Chicago compared to noticeable poverty in Tampa
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Tampa and widespread in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Tampa vs. Chicago

• Tampa tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse with significant Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities including Fourth Presbyterian Church
• Tampa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a strong Christian presence including Bay Hope Church

Tampa vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 31% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Tampa commute. That's 4160 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Tampa.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.