Moving from Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL

Leave “The Windy City” to embrace “The Big Guava”

Moving nearly 1,200 miles from  Chicago, IL, to Tampa, FL, takes you away from “the Windy City” to a new place. Tampa, nicknamed “The Big Guava,” is the third-largest city in Florida, with a population of around 385,000 residents and 3.2 million in the metro area. 

Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the 3rd-largest city in the U.S. Its population is significantly larger — 2.7 million city residents and 9.6 million in the metro.  

With the distance and fewer people, you can expect some cultural changes as you adjust to lift in Tampa.

Warmer weather in Tampa

Expect to warm up in the Sunshine State since Tampa gets around 246 sunny days per year, compared to only 189 in Chicago. Along with the sunshine comes milder year-round weather. 

Like Chicago, Tampa has warm summers, but the high temperature averages 90 degrees rather than the low 80s you’re used to. 

Tampa has more rainfall than Chicago, with an annual average of 52 inches compared to only 38 inches. But you’ll give up icy winters since snow is rare in Tampa, with an average low of 52 degrees, much warmer than Chicago’s average low of 19 degrees.

Things for families to do in the city

If you love animals, you’ll be happy to have a home in Tampa. Check out these animal attractions:   

  • Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center 

  • The Florida Aquarium 

  • Zoo Tampa 

Visit Busch Gardens, the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Bay History Center for family-friendly fun. And don’t miss Tampa Riverwalk for access to restaurants, stores, parks and more! 

Working in Tampa

The laid-back beach lifestyle of Tampa is a draw for the hospitality and tourism industry. The area’s largest employers include BayCare Health System, MacDill Air Force Base, Publix and the University of South Florida. 

Salaries are higher than the national average in Tampa, and the unemployment rate matches the national average. Florida has no state income tax, so you’ll get to take home more of your pay. Plus, the cost of living is lower in Tampa than in Chicago. 

Make Florida your new home with U-Pack

U-Pack® is the easy way to move from Chicago to Tampa. Through our nationwide network of service centers, we’re ready to handle transporting your things, so you don’t have to! Trust our extensive experience and focus on packing, loading and unloading.  

Request your free, no-obligation online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. We’re here to help!