Moving from St. Petersburg to Ohio: Cost, Best Movers & What to Expect
If you're moving from St. Petersburg to Ohio, you're making a calculated shift—trading Florida's heat and cost of living for more affordable housing and job opportunities in the Midwest. Before you pack, here's what you actually need to know about the move, from real moving costs to which companies deliver on their promises.
Best Moving Companies from St. Petersburg to Ohio
I've analyzed feedback on 41 interstate movers operating out of St. Petersburg. Here are the five that consistently perform on moves to Ohio:
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC — 4.78 / 5
- Let's Get Moving, Inc. — 4.66 / 5
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.48 / 5
- Brothers EZ Moving — 4.62 / 5
Big Man's Moving Company, LLC
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB Profile
4860 E Bay Dr, Clearwater, FL 33764
Sentiment: 83% positive | 15% negative
Big Man's stands out for hands-on, efficient crews that treat your belongings like their own. After reviewing 336 customer responses, the consistent thread is professionalism and speed—most jobs wrap up quickly without corners cut. Customers praise clear communication, careful handling, and reasonable pricing.
The flip side: About 15% report damage issues or surprises on the final bill. Damage claims can be a hassle, and some customers felt estimates didn't match reality. If you book with them, nail down every detail in writing upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office relocations, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Contact: (727) 772-3458
State License: 2951960 | DOT #: 2951960 | Years in Business: 8
Let's Get Moving, Inc.
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB Profile
6599 Haines Rd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Sentiment: 96% positive | 4% negative
Let's Get Moving earns one of the highest satisfaction rates I've seen. Nearly 233 out of 243 reviews are glowing. Customers repeatedly mention punctuality, damage-free deliveries, and crews that actually listen. The staff moves with purpose—careful, communicative, and honest about costs.
Negatives are rare but real: A small number report damage or costs that crept above estimates. Still, for the volume of moves they handle, their track record is solid.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, specialty items (pianos, art, antiques), crating, storage.
Contact: (727) 532-9080
State License: 2270761 | DOT #: 2270761 | Years in Business: 20
2 College Brothers Moving and Storage
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews
3125 Moorings Drive South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Sentiment: 97% positive | 3% negative
What catches your eye here is the consistency. 97% of feedback praises professionalism, efficiency, and care—that's impressive. Customers note polite crews, quick processes, transparent pricing, and stress-free handoffs. The booking is straightforward, and they show up when they say they will.
Only one review mentions inexperienced movers and damage. For the dozens of positive testimonials, that's a strong signal they've got their operation tight.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, specialty items (pianos), crating, storage.
Contact: (727) 291-1631
State License: 2106 | DOT #: 2787568 | Years in Business: 11
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews
13801 66th St N, Largo, FL 33771
Sentiment: 82% positive | 18% negative
College Hunks draws praise for professionalism, speed, and respectful handling. Out of 291 reviews, most mention courteous staff who move with care and arrive on time. Customers like the quick booking and clear cost explanations.
The downside: Damage claims are where this company struggles most. About 18% of feedback cites broken items, unresponsive management post-move, or costs that exceeded quotes. If something goes wrong, follow-up can be frustrating. Expect a solid crew on moving day—just keep your receipts and photos.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage.
Contact: (336) 810-1801
DOT #: 2378173 | Years in Business: 8
Brothers EZ Moving
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Google reviews
7851 US-301, Riverview, FL 33578
Sentiment: 86% positive | 12% negative
Brothers EZ earns consistent praise for careful handling and transparent pricing. Reviewing 213 opinions, most highlight professional teams, fair rates, and movers who show respect for your belongings. Many customers report bills that stayed at or below estimates—a rarity in this industry.
Negatives center on damage and unexpected charges. A few reviewers mention scratched furniture or poor wrapping, and claim resolution can drag. Like many movers, they excel on move day but stumble on the back-end.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Contact: (813) 299-2907
DOT #: 2349033 | Years in Business: 13
St. Petersburg Moving Services Overview
Here's what specialty services are available among St. Petersburg movers:
| Service | Number of Movers | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 31 | 75.6% |
| Small moves | 23 | 56.1% |
| Antiques | 21 | 51.2% |
| Art | 20 | 48.8% |
| Pianos | 31 | 75.6% |
| Fragile-only packing | 7 | 17.1% |
Cost to Move from St. Petersburg, FL to Ohio
Here's what you can realistically expect to pay on this 1,084-mile route. Costs depend heavily on how much you're moving and which service level you choose.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,056 – $3,913 | $794 – $1,898 | $680 – $1,253 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,219 – $5,070 | $1,438 – $2,929 | $742 – $1,460 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,652 – $6,521 | $2,021 – $3,940 | $940 – $1,777 |
A note on these estimates: These are based on verified rates collected as of January 2026. Your actual price will shift based on move size, additional services, parking challenges, current fuel costs, and timing. Use our calculator to get personalized quotes from movers who serve this route.
Full-Service Moving Company Costs
Hiring professional movers to handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading is the most expensive option—but it removes the heavy lifting from your shoulders.
- Studio/1 bedroom: $1,056–$3,913
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,219–$5,070
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,652–$6,521
Most of the variation comes down to whether you're paying for packing services and whether the company needs to add labor for access issues at either end.
Moving Container Costs
Portable storage containers (PODS-style) let you pack on your own schedule. The company drops one off, picks it up when ready, and hauls it to Ohio. It's a middle ground—less expensive than full-service but more than a rental truck.
- Studio/1 bedroom: $794–$1,898
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,438–$2,929
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,021–$3,940
If you prefer flexibility and want to avoid a moving day time crunch, containers often make sense.
Rental Truck Costs
Truck rentals are the cheapest option if you're willing to do the work yourself. You rent the vehicle, load it, drive it, and unload at the other end. Fuel is your main variable.
- Studio/1 bedroom: $680–$1,253
- 2–3 bedrooms: $742–$1,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $940–$1,777
Factor in your time, physical effort, and the stress of a 1,084-mile drive before choosing this route. It's savings on paper, but the hidden cost can be real.
Factors That Shape Your Moving Cost
Several variables will push your final bill up or down:
Move size: The more rooms and belongings you have, the more you'll pay. This is the single biggest driver of cost.
Time of year: Summer is peak season in St. Petersburg. If you move June through August, expect 20–30% higher rates. Winter and early spring are cheaper windows.
Service level: DIY truck rentals are cheapest; full-service movers are most expensive. Containers sit in the middle.
Packing services: If you ask the mover to pack your items, that labor adds $500–$2,000+ depending on home size.
Specialty items: Pianos, art, antiques, or hot tubs require custom crating, which increases costs.
Cost of Living: St. Petersburg vs. Ohio
One reason people make this move is affordability. Ohio is genuinely cheaper across the board. Here's the breakdown:
| Metric | St. Petersburg, FL | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,075 | $945 | 54% lower in Ohio |
| Average home cost | $360,584 | $230,798 | 36% lower in Ohio |
| Per capita income | $64,374 | $66,990 | Nearly identical |
| Cost of living index | 103 | 94 | 9% lower in Ohio |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 3.6% | Stronger job market in Ohio |
| State income tax | 0% | 3.5% | Ohio charges; Florida doesn't |
The real story: Your rent will drop by half. Homes cost roughly one-third less. That cushion is significant—until you factor in Ohio's state income tax (Florida has none). The net savings is still substantial, but your take-home pay will be taxed more heavily.
What Life Is Actually Like: St. Petersburg vs. Ohio
Moving isn't just about numbers. Here's how the two regions compare on the ground:
| Factor | St. Petersburg, FL | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 259,343 | 11,785,935 |
| Political lean | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Republican (55–45) |
| Summer high | 90°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 53°F | 20°F |
| Annual rain | 51″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 28″ |
| Crime index | 39.54 | 20.76 |
Weather: Ohio summers are cooler (84°F vs. 90°F), which means lower AC bills and easier outdoor time. Winters are genuinely cold—20°F vs. 53°F—so you'll need snow removal, winter gear, and different seasonal planning. Ohio gets about 28 inches of snow annually; St. Petersburg sees none.
Political climate: Ohio leans Republican; St. Petersburg leans Democratic. This matters if local politics and community values are important to your decision.
Safety: Ohio's crime index (20.76) is significantly lower than St. Petersburg's (39.54), meaning you'll likely enjoy more security and peace of mind.
Rain and sun: Ohio gets less rain (40″ vs. 51″ annually), so you'll have more sunny days—but when winter hits, snow becomes a regular maintenance task.
Before You Move: Logistics & Rules to Handle
Moving states involves paperwork and planning. Here's what matters for an Ohio move:
USDOT registration: Ohio doesn't require a state-specific moving license, but your mover must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ask for their DOT number and verify it before booking. You can check FMCSA records to confirm they're legit.
Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Ohio statewide, but some cities have local parking rules for large vehicles. Check with your destination city before move day.
Parking and access: If you're in an apartment or condo, reserve the elevator ahead of time. Confirm whether your building allows moving trucks to park nearby.
Address change: File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. You can do this online at USPS.com or at your local post office.
Moving insurance: Every mover offers Released Value Protection for free—but it caps liability at 60 cents per pound. That's nearly useless. Ask your mover about full-value coverage (usually $0.30–$0.50 per pound for your total shipment value). Alternatively, buy third-party moving insurance from a provider like SafeShip Moving.
HOA and building rules: Check any HOA or condo rules before scheduling your move. Some have move-in windows or require advance notice.
State taxes: Ohio has a 3.5% state income tax. Update your tax withholding and registration if you own a business.
Timeline: How Long Does This Move Take?
Most moves from St. Petersburg to Ohio take 2–8 days, depending on the mover's schedule and how quickly they can arrange the truck.
Reality check: Summer moves are slower because movers are booked solid. You might wait weeks for a mid-July slot. Winter and spring moves are faster and cheaper.
Always confirm the delivery window before you sign the contract. "Estimated arrival" is just that—an estimate. Ask for a more specific range.
What to Expect After You Arrive in Ohio
Ohio has plenty to offer:
Museums: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Art, National Museum of the US Air Force.
Outdoor spaces: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Wayne National Forest, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave, Maumee Bay State Park.
Sports: Cincinnati Reds and Bengals, Cleveland Guardians and Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers. If you're a fan, Ohio's got competitive teams across all major leagues.
Universities: Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State, Bowling Green State University—strong academic presence throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a move from St. Petersburg to Ohio take?
Most moves take 2–8 days, depending on the mover's current schedule. Summer moves may take longer because movers are in peak season. Confirm your delivery window before booking.
How many movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
27 St. Petersburg movers can handle custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. If you have artwork or antiques, ask your mover directly whether they have experience with your specific pieces.
What's the best way to ship a car from St. Petersburg to Ohio?
Book an auto transport company that prioritizes professionalism and vehicle care. Read reviews before committing, and confirm they're DOT-registered. Get quotes from at least two carriers.
Why are people moving to Ohio from St. Petersburg?
Lower cost of living (especially housing), stronger job market, and milder summers. The trade-off is real winters and state income tax.
Can I pay in cash?
12 movers in St. Petersburg accept cash, but it's not standard. Most require a traceable payment method (credit card, check, or bank transfer). Expect to put down a deposit to secure your move date; the balance is due at pickup or delivery.
Ready to Get Moving?
You've got solid options in St. Petersburg. Start by getting quotes from multiple movers—prices vary significantly, and a few phone calls now will save you hundreds later. Compare the top five companies listed above, check their DOT numbers, and read recent reviews before deciding.
The move itself is straightforward. The money saved on housing in Ohio is real. Just budget for winter, plan for state income tax, and nail down your mover's commitment before you pack a single box.