Best San Francisco to Tampa Movers and Practical Moving Guide

Get a Quote Now!

San Francisco to Tampa Movers

Moving from the foggy hills of San Francisco to the sunny beaches of Tampa offers an exciting chapter in your life, packed with new experiences and adventures. You’re trading the Golden Gate for Gulf Gate, leaving behind tech giants for tropical vibes, a testament to the diverse beauty of the American landscape. Given the distance and the life-changing nature of such a move, entrusting it to professional and reliable movers cannot be overstated; our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving ensures you're paired with the best, making this significant transition as smooth as possible.

California iconArrow iconFlorida icon

Best San Francisco to Tampa Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.33DAuthorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Let's Get Moving9.14A+Authorized For HHGContact
Two Men and a Truck9.06A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
U-turn icon

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

5 Best San Francisco to Tampa Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
B
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 634+ data points

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
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 12/5/2024)

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
4
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 9/11/2024)

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
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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 Francisco vs. Tampa Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a thrilling yet daunting experience, especially when relocating to a completely new city. To ease this transition, we're offering a guide that uniquely compares San Francisco, CA & Tampa, FL local neighborhoods . This comparison is designed to help you familiarize yourself with Tampa by using San Francisco's popular neighborhoods as a baseline, allowing you to find a new home that mirrors the community vibe you love.

San FranciscoTampaHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictHyde ParkVibrant, upscale shopping
Mission DistrictSeminole HeightsEclectic, artistic community
Nob HillBayshore BeautifulAffluent, historic charm
SoMa (South of Market)ChannelsideModern, urban living
Haight-AshburyYbor CityRich history, vibrant nightlife
Pacific HeightsHarbour IslandExclusive, luxurious lifestyle
North BeachDavis IslandsQuaint, island community
Inner SunsetTemple TerraceFamily-friendly, academic atmosphere
Richmond DistrictWestchaseSuburban feel, plenty of parks
The CastroPalma CeiaWelcoming, active LGBTQ+ scene

For those accustomed to the eclectic mix of culture, dining, and vibrant street life in San Francisco's Mission District, you'll find a similar spirited atmosphere in Tampa's Seminole Heights. Both neighborhoods boast a wealth of local art, with Seminole Heights offering unique finds at spots like Cleanse Apothecary or indulging in creative cuisine at Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe. On the other hand, if the upscale, seaside vibe of the Marina District is what you treasure, Hyde Park will appeal to you with its luxury shopping at Hyde Park Village and scenic views along Bayshore Boulevard. For those seeking a neighborhood with historical charm akin to Nob Hill, Bayshore Beautiful offers a glimpse into Tampa's past with beautiful historic homes and the iconic Bayshore Boulevard, known for its long waterfront sidewalk.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Tampa

Deciding to move from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL warrants a detailed exploration of both the difficult and advantageous aspects of such a relocation. The transition between these cities presents distinct lifestyle changes. Through comparative charts, we aim to honestly reflect the upsides and downsides to give you a balanced perspective. Let's delve into comparing and contrasting the specifics of leaving the Bay Area for Tampa Bay.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Chilly summers
  • Dense population
  • Competitive job market
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • More affordable
  • Warmer weather
  • Spacious living
  • Growing opportunities
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Fewer landmarks
  • More limited options
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Diverse culture
  • Innovative tech scene
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Rich culinary scene

While the move from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL introduces a change in living costs and weather, it's the cultural nuances and lifestyle changes that truly encapsulate the experience. Tampa's affordability allows you to enjoy a wider range of housing options, from waterfront properties to quaint suburban homes. The city is not without its charm, with Ybor City offering a vibrant night life and Channelside impressing with its upscale dining and shopping. Tampa's warmer climate invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many parks and beaches year-round, a notable shift from San Francisco's cooler, foggy weather. While Tampa might have fewer tech opportunities, its economy is diversifying, presenting new possibilities in different sectors. The transition from San Francisco's iconic culinary scene to Tampa's growing foodie culture means you can still indulge in delicious meals, be it at Edison: Food+Drink Lab or enjoying authentic Cuban sandwiches at Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. Although each city has its own unique offerings, both provide enriching environments to call home.

San Francisco vs. Tampa Food Guide

Food greatly enriches our understanding of local culture and the overall vibe of a place. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Tampa so you can better understand what culinary delights await you in your new city.

San FranciscoTampa
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadCuban Sandwich
Most popular meat dishClam Chowder in a Sourdough BowlDeviled Crab
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoEmpanadas
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVegan Cuban Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Boulevard
  • Zuni Café
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Bern's Steak House
  • Columbia Restaurant
  • Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring San Francisco, you'll quickly notice the abundance of food trucks, offering a wide variety of cuisines, with a particular emphasis on healthy and vegan options. Neighborhoods like the Mission District are famous for their street food, especially the Mission Burrito. Meanwhile, in Tampa, the historic Ybor City is not only a cultural landmark but also the birthplace of the Cuban Sandwich. Both cities boast a rich foodie scene, though San Francisco has a slight edge in terms of vegan offerings and health-conscious dining. Tampa's Columbia Restaurant, located in the Ybor City, is a must-visit for anyone wanting to dive deep into the local cuisine, offering a blend of Spanish, Cuban, and Italian dishes.

San Francisco vs. Tampa Restaurant Comparison

Finding a place that feels like home is essential when moving to a new city, and food plays a huge role in that. This restaurant comparison between San Francisco and Tampa will guide you in discovering new favorite spots that mirror the culinary experience of your current hometown.

San FranciscoTampaWhat You'll Love
Zuni CaféBern's Steak Houseiconic dining with a vast wine selection
Tartine BakeryDatzcomfort food and bakery delights
NopaRooster & the Tillmodern American fare in a cozy setting
Foreign CinemaCineBistrodine-in cinema with upscale menu options
La TaqueriaTaco Busauthentic Mexican street food experience
Slanted DoorBamboozle Cafémodern Vietnamese cuisine in a chic atmosphere
Gary DankoEdison: Food+Drink Labinnovative dishes in an upscale setting
Mission Chinese FoodHawker's Asian Street Farevibrant flavors from various Asian cuisines
Sourdough BakeryPane Rusticaartisanal breads and European cafe vibes
The ProgressUlelenative-inspired dishes and a rustic ambiance

Embracing your new city means diving into its culinary scene, and Tampa offers excellent parallels to the beloved eateries of San Francisco. For example, if you're missing the iconic Zuni Café, Bern's Steak House in Tampa will captivate you with its exceptional dining and extensive wine collection. Bakeries hold a special place in San Francisco's heart, and Tampa's Datz provides a comparable comfort with its own take on bakery delights, ensuring a smooth transition. Similarly, fans of the vibrant and diverse flavors at Mission Chinese Food can find solace in Hawker's Asian Street Fare, offering a tapestry of Asian flavors that echo the culinary diversity of San Francisco. These establishments not only serve delicious food but also embody the spirit and culture of their respective cities, making your transition from San Francisco to Tampa a flavorful journey.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future city is crucial. Understanding how San Francisco and Tampa stack up in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle can greatly influence your decision. Let's dive into the specifics.

ComparisonSan FranciscoTampa
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernBungalow and Mediterranean
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, luxury amenitiesOutdoor living spaces, proximity to water

While San Francisco offers iconic Victorian homes and unparalleled urban appeal, with a high walkability score indicating most errands can be accomplished on foot, the cost of living reflects this desirability. On the other hand, Tampa presents a more affordable housing market, with median home prices and rents significantly lower than in San Francisco. The architecture in Tampa favors bungalow and Mediterranean styles, catering to a lifestyle that blends indoor and outdoor living, often emphasized by real estate listings highlighting proximity to water and outdoor amenities. Although Tampa may offer a less urban experience based on its scores, it compensates with its unique blend of affordability, style, and access to Florida's scenic landscapes.

San Francisco vs. Tampa Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another means adapting to new weather patterns. Understanding how the climate in San Francisco compares to Tampa will help you prepare for the changes. From average temperatures to the threat of natural disasters, this comparison will guide you through what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
68°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

90°F / 76°F

Tampa, FL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

70°F / 52°F

Tampa, FL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

50.7

Tampa, FL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

0

Tampa, FL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoTampa
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from San Francisco to Tampa, you'll experience a significant change in weather, most notably in summer temperatures and humidity levels. Tampa's summers are much hotter and can feel more oppressive due to similar humidity levels but higher temperatures compared to San Francisco. Additionally, while San Francisco residents might be used to preparing for earthquakes, in Tampa, the primary natural disaster concern shifts to hurricanes. This change necessitates a different approach to emergency preparedness. Moreover, Tampa's greater annual rainfall indicates a more humid and lush environment, which might affect those with specific allergies more acutely.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL, it's crucial to grasp the financial differences you'll encounter. This comparison aims to shed light on such disparities, focusing on key economic factors. Specifically, the chart below will provide insights into how the cost of living, taxes, and the job market in San Francisco compare to Tampa , highlighting the economic landscape you're transitioning into.

ComparisonSan FranciscoTampa
Avg. Household Income$121,826$63,404
Cost of Living Index16492.4
State Income Tax13.30
Avg. Property Tax0.60.9
Avg. Sales Tax8.57
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismHealthcare, Retail, Finance
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighLow

Moving from San Francisco to Tampa will introduce you to a different financial landscape. Your average household income might differ significantly, reflecting Tampa's more moderate cost of living, which is only a fraction of what you're used to in San Francisco. However, this transition also comes with benefits, such as Florida's absence of state income tax, which potentially increases your disposable income. While San Francisco's top industries include Technology and Finance, Tampa boasts strengths in Healthcare and Finance, suggesting diverse yet thriving job markets. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for your new life in Tampa, financially speaking.

San Francisco vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA, to Tampa, FL, it's essential to get a quick snapshot of how the cities differ, especially in terms of comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Tampa and the religious landscape. This quick glance aims to help you better understand the social fabric of your new home.

San FranciscoTampa
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerately Conservative/Varies
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesMixed, leans conservative
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedMore religiously diverse

San Francisco is widely recognized for its liberal stance and progressive policies. This contrasts with Tampa's political environment, where the scene is more varied, with a moderate conservative leaning in local politics, reflecting a broader spectrum of political beliefs. Tampans exhibit a more diverse religious landscape, with stronger ties to various faiths compared to San Francisco's population, which tends to be less religiously affiliated. This significant difference in the political and religious makeup can impact your day-to-day life, from the policies that affect your community to the types of social and cultural activities available. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate your new environment more effectively.

San Francisco vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL? Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Tampa will help you better grasp what your daily commute and traffic experiences will be like. This comparison aims to equip you with insights to make your transition smoother.

ComparisonSan FranciscoTampa
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3426
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesNo

When moving from San Francisco to Tampa, you'll find that the average commute time in Tampa is shorter, allowing for more leisure or family time. San Francisco, known for its significant traffic congestion, might prepare you for navigating Tampa’s slightly less congested roads. However, the stark difference lies in public transport options. San Francisco’s well-established public transit system, ranked high, means you could easily get by without owning a car. On the contrary, Tampa’s public transit scores lower, making a car almost a necessity for commuting and exploring the city efficiently. Adjusting to these transportation differences will be an important part of your move.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best San Francisco to Tampa Movers Featured Image