Best Des Moines to Tampa Movers

How Much Do Des Moines to Tampa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,362 miles from Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL 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 Tampa that already have a booked job heading from Tampa to Des Moines. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Tampa from Des Moines entirely empty. If you can find a Tampa moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Des Moines to Tampa moving option

Hire local Des Moines 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 Tampa movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Des Moines to Tampa 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 Des Moines to Tampa 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 Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 20 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Des Moines and Tampa areas.

From these 20 companies, we analyzed a total of 9,655 reviews dating all the way back to February 2009.

We also reviewed a total of 9 state and federal moving licenses from these 20 companies and 96 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~9,000 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 3,212 Des Moines to Tampa 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 Let's Get Moving) 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 Des Moines to Tampa moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.64/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 4,194 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.26/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 1,268 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.27/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 673 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.74/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 1,506 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.78/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 530 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.69/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 1,674 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.14/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 2,497 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.38/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 4,301 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.57/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 2,651 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.20/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 419 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.14/10 avg (Des Moines & Tampa combined) from 1,978 reviews

From Des Moines to Tampa: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• East Village in Des Moines & Hyde Park in Tampa are both known for their: historic bungalows, walkable boutiques & cafes
• Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood & Tampa's Seminole Heights both share: early 20th-century homes, revival & local breweries
• If you're moving from Beaverdale, check out Westchase in the Tampa area for the: suburban feel, family-friendly parks & community events
• Do you enjoy Valley Junction's brick storefronts, farmer's markets & street festivals? You're sure to love Seminole Heights
• Move from Ingersoll Park to Tampa Heights and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: close-in location, older bungalows, recent revitalization
• Greenwood Park & Davis Islands are both known for their: quiet streets, waterfront parks & upscale homes
• Des Moines' Windsor Heights neighborhood & Tampa's Westchase neighborhood both have: planned community, good schools & suburban amenities
• If you're moving from Highland Park, look into Ybor City for the: artsy vibe, galleries & nightlife
• Do you cherish living in Drake Neighborhood's college town energy, bars & diverse eateries? Move into SoHo for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Tampa

ConsDes Moines, IA

• Colder winters
• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer beaches
• Smaller city feel

ProsTampa, FL

• Warmer climate
• More cultural diversity
• Beach access
• Larger city dynamic

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Tampa, FL

• Higher cost of living
• More crowded
• More traffic
• Less community bonding

Des Moines, IA

• Lower cost of living
• Quiet neighborhoods
• Less traffic
• Strong community sense

Pros of moving from Des Moines to Tampa

• Say goodbye to colder winters and hello to a warmer climate
• Look forward to moving away from less cultural diversity and moving to Tampa with more cultural diversity
• Swap the fewer beaches of Des Moines for beach access in Tampa
• Get ready for a larger city dynamic in Tampa

Cons of moving from Des Moines to Tampa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Des Moines to live with a higher cost of living in Tampa
• You'll lose out on the pro of quiet neighborhoods and have to settle for the con of more crowded areas
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to more traffic in Tampa
• Swap a strong community sense for less community bonding

Des Moines vs. Tampa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Des Moines to Tampa, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines for the equally delicious Cuban Sandwich of Tampa. And while the locals in Des Moines rave about their flavorful Iowa Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Tampa residents know they have tasty Deviled Crab and Empanadas to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Poké Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Cuban Bowls of Tampa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Des Moines eateries like 801 Chophouse, Centro, and Fong’s Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Tampa, don't wait too long before making your way to Tampa's acclaimed eateries like Columbia Restaurant, Bern’s Steak House, and Ulele.

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

Discover Tampa Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Tampa is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Des Moines favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Centro, A Dong, and El Bait Shop in Des Moines, we're sure you'll love On Swann, Bamboozle Café, and Coppertail Brewing Co. in Tampa. See our Tampa restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Des Moines hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Harbinger, head to Roux on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Des Moines and Tampa

• The Colonial Revival architecture that Des Moines is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial architecture typical of Tampa.
• Compared to Des Moines's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to schools, Tampa real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront views and access to beaches.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Tampa is more walkable than Des Moines.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Tampa is more bike-friendly than Des Moines.
• Tampa has more of an urban feel than Des Moines.
• Tampa housing costs are 92% more expensive than they are in Des Moines, with a median home price of $382,663 compared to Des Moines’s $199,739.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tampa have increased by 74% compared to a 38% increase in Des Moines.
• Rent in Tampa is 101.96% more expensive than in Des Moines.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tampa, FL

1. Hyde Park : You and your furry friend will love the numerous parks and pet-friendly cafes that make this charming neighborhood a welcoming spot for pets.
2. Seminole Heights : This vibrant area offers plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and open spaces, ensuring your pet can explore alongside you.
3. Davis Islands : Known for its dog beaches and parks, this neighborhood provides a delightful space for you and your pet to enjoy outdoor activities together.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Des Moines and Tampa

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Des Moines to Tampa. Tampa gets 20% more sunshine days than Des Moines.
• Tampa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Des Moines.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Des Moines, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in Tampa.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tampa is 4 degrees warmer than in Des Moines.
• The average winter lows are 38 degrees warmer than they are in Des Moines.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tampa. Tampa receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Des Moines.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Des Moines and Tampa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tampa tend to earn about 4% more than those in Des Moines
• The COLI in Tampa is 2% higher than what you are used to in Des Moines
• The state income tax in FL is none compared to up to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in Tampa is varied compared to moderate affluence in Des Moines
• The poverty level is higher in Tampa compared to lower poverty in Des Moines
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Des Moines and noticeable in Tampa

Political and Religious Climate in Des Moines vs. Tampa

• Des Moines tends to lean slightly Democratic in its political climate
• Tampa, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Tampa's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with a notable Catholic community
• Des Moines' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a strong Christian presence

Des Moines vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 26% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Tampa compared to your Des Moines commute. That's 2600 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Tampa to be worse than it is in Des Moines.
• Public transit is more readily available in Tampa.