Moving from San Diego to Tampa?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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San Diego to Tampa Movers

Moving from the sunny shores of San Diego, CA to the vibrant streets of Tampa, FL is an adventure that heralds a new chapter in your life. Leaving behind the laid-back vibe and surf culture of "America's Finest City" for the bustling, diverse atmosphere and the warmth of "The Big Guava" can be both exhilarating and a bit daunting. Understanding the importance of this transition, it's crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free move by hiring trusted and reliable professional movers, which is where our expertise at Great Guys Moving comes into play, offering you top-rated movers meticulously selected through an unbiased ranking algorithm.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tampa to San Diego guide.

5 Best San Diego to Tampa Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

#1
The Rock Movers Logo
Exceptional

based on 2,305+ data points

San Diego, CA
Local Residential, Furniture Moving, Full Packing Service See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/4/2024)

USDOT: 3653432 Verify

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance ...Read More >>

top 10 san diego 2024 the rock movers image
#2
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 477+ data points

San Diego, CA
Local Moves, Long-Distance Moves, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 3177184 Verify

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill, the compan...Read More >>

top 10 san diego 2024 coast 2 coast moving inc image
#3
Let's Get Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,825+ data points

St. Petersburg, FL
Commercial moving services, Residential moving services, Local moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2270761 Verify

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 moving ...Read More >>

top 10 tampa 2024 lets get moving image
top 10 ranked movers in tampa 2023 lets get moving image
top 3 ranked movers in tampa 2022 lets get moving image
#4
M
Exceptional

based on 1,080+ data points

San Diego, CA
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/5/2024)

USDOT: 2403743 Verify

About Motivated Military Movers

Motivated Military Movers is a veteran-owned moving company founded in 2008 by a Navy Corpsman, based in San Diego, California. With over 13...Read More >>

top wagner 2024 motivated military movers image
top 3 ranked movers in wagner 2023 motivated military movers image
#5
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Exceptional

based on 5,201+ data points

New Port Richey, FL
Local moving, Junk removal, Storage See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT: 2113690 Verify

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 comprehensive range of se...Read More >>

top 10 tampa 2024 two men and a truck image
top 10 ranked movers in milton 2023 two men and a truck image
top 10 ranked movers in new port richey 2022 two men and a truck image

Relocating from San Diego to Tampa Neighborhood Guide

Moving across the country can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new city's neighborhoods. To help ease this transition, we're making a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Tampa, FL . By aligning the characteristics of popular neighborhoods in San Diego with their counterparts in Tampa, we aim to help you find a new home that feels familiar.

San DiegoTampa
La JollaHyde Park

Upscale, beach-like vibe

Pacific BeachSouth Tampa

Vibrant nightlife, young professionals

North ParkSeminole Heights

Hip, artsy, and craft beer scene

Gaslamp QuarterYbor City

Rich history, lively entertainment scene

HillcrestPalma Ceia

Progressive, with a sense of community

Little ItalyChannelside

Diverse food scene, waterfront living

Point LomaBayshore Beautiful

Scenic views, affluent area

Del MarWestchase

Family-friendly, suburban feel

CoronadoDavis Islands

Exclusive, island community

Carmel ValleyNew Tampa

Modern suburban, with amenities

In comparing these neighborhoods, you'll find that both San Diego and Tampa offer unique yet parallel living experiences. For example, if you enjoy La Jolla's upscale beach-like vibe, with its world-class restaurants like George's at the Cove, you may find Hyde Park in Tampa appealing, where you can enjoy a similar ambiance and dine at refined establishments like Bern's Steak House. Seminole Heights offers an artsy and craft beer atmosphere reminiscent of North Park, with local breweries like Angry Chair Brewing drawing in crowds. For those who appreciate the rich history and lively entertainment scene of Gaslamp Quarter, Ybor City provides a vibrant nightlife along with historic sites such as the Ybor City State Museum. No matter your lifestyle, Tampa has neighborhoods that mirror the spirit of San Diego's best, making your new city feel just like home.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Tampa

Moving from one city to another is a hefty decision packed with potential ups and downs. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of both San Diego, CA's downsides and Tampa, FL's benefits, breeding a clearer landscape of what this relocation holds. Understanding each city's unique offerings is pivotal for making an informed transition.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Limited thunderstorms
  • Less humidity
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • More affordable housing
  • Frequent thunderstorms
  • Higher humidity
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Hotter summers
  • More suburban feel
  • More seafood options
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant urban culture
  • Better Mexican food

San Diego and Tampa offer distinct living experiences tailored for different preferences. San Diego, with its mild winters and vibrant cultural offerings like the bustling streets of Little Italy, notable for exquisite dining options such as Filippi's Pizza Grotto, provides an unmatched urban lifestyle. On the flip side, Tampa's affordability and unique weather patterns invite a diverse lifestyle with the allure of waterfront living, personified by neighborhoods like Hyde Park, where institutions like Oxford Exchange offer a combined shopping and dining experience unlike any other. Yet, Tampa's increased humidity and warmer summers might take some getting used to, trading off San Diego's temperate climate for Florida's lush, subtropical environment.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from San Diego to Tampa

Understanding the essence of local food is crucial when moving to a new place, as it deeply reflects the area's culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we'll compare the local cuisine between San Diego & Tampa to give you a taste of what to expect in your new home.

San DiegoTampa

Most iconic local food item

Fish TacosCuban Sandwich

Most popular meat dish

Carne AsadaDeviled Crab

Most popular street food item

California BurritoEmpanadas

Most popular vegan food

Acai BowlJackfruit Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • George's at the Cove
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Hodad's
  • Columbia Restaurant
  • Bern's Steak House
  • Ulele

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

97

Abundance of Food Trucks

86

Foodie Scene

98

Vegan Friendly

87

In San Diego, the vibrant food scene is epitomized by its fresh fish tacos, found ubiquitously from beachfront eateries to downtown diners. Dive into the city's much-loved Carne Asada at places like Lolita's Mexican Food. For those leading a plant-based lifestyle, the city offers an array of vegan options, with Acai Bowls being the go-to. Meanwhile, Tampa is renowned for its Cuban Sandwich, best enjoyed at historic spots such as the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. Tampa's food scene also highlights a penchant for seafood and Cuban-inspired cuisine, ensuring a diverse and flavorful dining experience.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from San Diego to Tampa

Food is key in turning a new city into your home, so it's important to find eateries that resonate with you. This comparison aims to assist in discovering your next favorite spots by leveraging your love for certain San Diego restaurants. Here, we present a restaurant comparison guide to help navigate the dining scene from San Diego to Tampa , ensuring a smoother culinary transition.

AddisonBern's Steak House

Both offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on meticulously crafted dishes.

Phil's BBQ4 Rivers Smokehouse

Known for their dedication to classic smoked meats, reflecting Phil's BBQ’s passion for barbecue.

Las Cuatro MilpasLa Segunda Central Bakery

Offering a dive into cultural cuisine, from Mexican in San Diego to Cuban in Tampa.

Hodad'sEngine No. 9

Both have a local cult following for their iconic burgers and casual, quirky atmosphere.

Juniper & IvyEdison: Food+Drink Lab

Innovative cuisine that pushes the boundaries, similar to Juniper & Ivy’s culinary creativity.

George's at the CoveOcean Prime

A focus on fine seafood and steak with stunning views to match the dining experience.

Café GratitudeFarmacy Vegan Kitchen + Bakery

Both emphasize plant-based cuisine, showcasing the versatility and flavors of vegan food.

PuestoGreen Lemon

Both are modern, upbeat locations for Mexican cuisine with a creative twist on tacos and drinks.

Pizza PortCappy's Pizzeria

Family-friendly spots known for their unique pizzas and a welcoming, laid-back vibe.

Oscar's Mexican SeafoodTacoSon

Authentic tacos and Mexican seafood echoing the freshness and flavors found at Oscar’s.

Moving from San Diego to Tampa doesn't mean you have to leave your culinary comforts behind. Places like Bern's Steak House in Tampa offer a love for the refined dining experience that can be found at Addison, with both boasting impressive wine lists. On the casual side, if Hodad's was your go-to in San Diego, Engine No. 9 in Tampa steps up with its selection of creative burgers and a similar laid-back feel. For those who lean towards plant-based dining, Café Gratitude’s ethos finds a counterpart in Farmacy Vegan Kitchen + Bakery, where the focus on wholesome, vegan meals creates a vibrant and health-conscious dining scene. This guide aims to make your transition as flavorful as possible, ensuring that Tampa welcomes you with tastes that remind you of home.

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Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from San Diego to Tampa

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how the housing aspects of San Diego and Tampa compare can significantly impact your decision. This section will focus on comparing critical housing factors , offering a snapshot of what to expect in both cities.

When comparing San Diego and Tampa, it becomes apparent that each city offers a unique living experience shaped significantly by their housing markets. In San Diego, the allure of ocean views and outdoor living spaces predominates, reflecting the city's higher median home prices and strong urban lifestyle score. Conversely, Tampa's real estate is more accessible, with a lower median home price and rent, and listings frequently highlight lakefront properties and proximity to beaches, offering a blend of urban and natural living. The architectural styles further emphasize the local heritage and lifestyle of each location, with San Diego leaning towards Spanish Colonial and Modern designs, while Tampa showcases Mediterranean influences and charming Bungalows. These differences not only affect your lifestyle but also how you commute and interact with your surroundings, making it crucial to consider what fits best for you.

Weather Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Tampa

When relocating from San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL, it's crucial to understand how the weather in these cities compares, ensuring you're well-prepared for the change. This comparison covers various weather aspects, providing a clear glimpse into what to expect in your new environment.

Summer icon
76°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

90°F / 75°F

Tampa, FL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

70°F / 52°F

Tampa, FL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
12

San Diego, CA

50

Tampa, FL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

0

Tampa, FL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

In transitioning from San Diego to Tampa, you'll notice a significant shift in weather patterns. San Diego enjoys a milder climate with less humidity and fewer rainy days, contributing to its high number of sunny days. In contrast, Tampa's weather is characterized by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and a greater likelihood of experiencing thunderstorms and hurricanes. This means you might need to adjust not just your wardrobe but also prepare your new home for different weather-related challenges, such as ensuring proper air conditioning and flood protection measures are in place.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Tampa

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand the financial implications associated with your new home. This comparison between San Diego and Tampa's money and finance will help you gauge how your cost of living, taxes, and the local economy might shift. Knowing these differences will enable you to better prepare for your transition.

As you consider moving from San Diego to Tampa, it's important to note that Tampa offers a lower cost of living, with no state income tax, which could significantly boost your disposable income. However, average household incomes are also lower in Tampa, which reflects the local economy's differences in wage scales. The industries dominating these cities diverge, suggesting a shift in potential employment opportunities and economic environments you might encounter. While both cities are vibrant in their ways, the financial landscapes are distinctly tailored to their regional strengths, which could influence your lifestyle and savings positively or negatively depending on your profession and spending habits.

Political & Religious Comparison between San Diego, CA and Tampa, FL

When considering a move from San Diego, CA, to Tampa, FL, it’s essential to understand not just the climate and cost of living differences but also the cultural shifts you might encounter. This guide provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between San Diego & Tampa , offering you a quick snapshot to gauge how well you might fit in or adapt to your new surroundings.

San DiegoTampa

Political Make-up

Lean DemocraticSwing City

Local Politics

Progressive on environmental and social issuesModerate, with a mix of progressive and conservative leaders

Religion

Varied religious landscape, strong non-religious communityDiverse, with a significant Christian community Local Churches

The political and religious landscapes of San Diego and Tampa offer a stark contrast that may appeal to or deter potential movers. In San Diego, the population leans heavily Democratic, which is reflected in its progressive stances on environmental and social issues. Conversely, Tampa showcases a swing city persona, with its local politics offering a more moderate outlook, oscillating between progressive and conservative leaders. This dynamic creates a different community vibe, one where debates and policies can see considerable fluctuation. Additionally, while both cities boast diverse religious communities, Tampa has a more pronounced Christian presence, contributing a different cultural and community backdrop for new residents. This aspect might affect your social and community engagements, offering new avenues for connections depending on your personal beliefs and interests.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Tampa

Making a move cross-country, you'll likely find a drastic change in your day-to-day commute. This comparison between San Diego & Tampa will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of traffic and transportation options in your new city.

San DiegoTampa
24.725.4

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

65

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

64

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

It's tough but possibleChallenging

Can you get by without car?

Moving from San Diego, you might be familiar with a rather manageable average commute time and a slightly better public transit system compared to Tampa. San Diego offers a range of transit options such as the MTS buses and trolleys, which make navigating the city without a car feasible, though still challenging. In contrast, Tampa, having a slightly longer average commute time and less robust public transit options, makes car dependency more prominent. You'll find that getting around in Tampa without a car can be more challenging, as the city's public transit system, including HART buses, covers less ground and operates less frequently compared to San Diego's.

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