Best San Diego to Tampa Movers and Practical 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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Best San Diego to Tampa Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
The Rock Movers9.49NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.46NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Let's Get Moving9.14A+Authorized For HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck9.06A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.94A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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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 Moving Companies

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

The Rock Movers Logo
Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
Let's Get Moving Logo
Exceptional9.14/10
based on 1,825+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Commercial moving services
  • Residential moving services
  • Local moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2270761 / 775415

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved78,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo
Exceptional9.06/10
based on 5,201+ data points

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 >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2113690 / FF-19726 812151

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers13
Total Annual Miles Moved310,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo
Superb8.94/10
based on 2,147+ data points

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...Read More >>

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

San Diego vs. Tampa Neighborhood Comparison

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 DiegoTampaHow They're Similar
La JollaHyde ParkUpscale, beach-like vibe
Pacific BeachSouth TampaVibrant nightlife, young professionals
North ParkSeminole HeightsHip, artsy, and craft beer scene
Gaslamp QuarterYbor CityRich history, lively entertainment scene
HillcrestPalma CeiaProgressive, with a sense of community
Little ItalyChannelsideDiverse food scene, waterfront living
Point LomaBayshore BeautifulScenic views, affluent area
Del MarWestchaseFamily-friendly, suburban feel
CoronadoDavis IslandsExclusive, island community
Carmel ValleyNew TampaModern 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.

San Diego vs. Tampa Food Guide

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 itemFish TacosCuban Sandwich
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaDeviled Crab
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoEmpanadas
Most popular vegan foodAcai 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💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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.

San Diego vs. Tampa Restaurant Comparison

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.

San DiegoTampaWhat You'll Love
AddisonBern's Steak HouseBoth offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on meticulously crafted dishes.
Phil's BBQ4 Rivers SmokehouseKnown for their dedication to classic smoked meats, reflecting Phil's BBQ’s passion for barbecue.
Las Cuatro MilpasLa Segunda Central BakeryOffering a dive into cultural cuisine, from Mexican in San Diego to Cuban in Tampa.
Hodad'sEngine No. 9Both have a local cult following for their iconic burgers and casual, quirky atmosphere.
Juniper & IvyEdison: Food+Drink LabInnovative cuisine that pushes the boundaries, similar to Juniper & Ivy’s culinary creativity.
George's at the CoveOcean PrimeA focus on fine seafood and steak with stunning views to match the dining experience.
Café GratitudeFarmacy Vegan Kitchen + BakeryBoth emphasize plant-based cuisine, showcasing the versatility and flavors of vegan food.
PuestoGreen LemonBoth are modern, upbeat locations for Mexican cuisine with a creative twist on tacos and drinks.
Pizza PortCappy's PizzeriaFamily-friendly spots known for their unique pizzas and a welcoming, laid-back vibe.
Oscar's Mexican SeafoodTacoSonAuthentic 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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Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts

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.

ComparisonSan DiegoTampa
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, ModernMediterranean, Bungalow
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean Views, Outdoor LivingLakefront, Proximity to Beaches

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.

San Diego vs. Tampa Weather Considerations

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)

ComparisonSan DiegoTampa
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersWildfires, EarthquakesHurricanes, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

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.

Ready to start your move?

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.

ComparisonSan DiegoTampa
Avg. Household Income$93,042$63,404
Cost of Living Index132.392.4
State Income Tax13.30
Avg. Property Tax0.760.97
Avg. Sales Tax7.757.0
Top 3 IndustriesMilitary, Tourism, International TradeHealthcare, Retail, Finance
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

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.

San Diego vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison

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-upLean DemocraticSwing City
Local PoliticsProgressive on environmental and social issuesModerate, with a mix of progressive and conservative leaders
ReligionVaried 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.

San Diego vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

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.

ComparisonSan DiegoTampa
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)24.725.4
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?It's tough but possibleChallenging

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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