Moving from Tampa, FL to Carrollton, TX
Relocating 1118 mi from Tampa to Carrollton is a 20h 38m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1118 mi Β· 20h 38m by car Β· FL β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Gainesville, Tallahassee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tampa | Carrollton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.89 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.2% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tampa -3.5%, Carrollton -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tampa | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.5" | 41.9" |
Expect 8.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TAMPA INTL AP, FL US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tampa | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 393,389 | 132,741 |
| Median household income | $71,302 | $99,115 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.3% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.45 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.2% β $71,302 β $99,115 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Carrollton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Carrollton average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Carrollton, TX from Tampa, FL?
The driving distance is 1118 mi and the route typically takes 20h 38m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tampa to Carrollton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1118 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Carrollton compare to Tampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA vs $46,420 in the Tampa MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Carrollton compared to Tampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $406,040 in Carrollton vs $374,888 in Tampa β a 8.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tampa vs Carrollton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $99,115 in Carrollton vs $71,302 in Tampa β a 39.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Carrollton more expensive than Tampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carrollton is 2.2% higher than Tampa (103.09 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tampa.
City profiles: Tampa, FL Β· Carrollton, TX.