($1,271) Movers From California to Tacoma
Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Tacoma, WA averages from $732 to $6,151 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to California guide.
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Moving from California to Tacoma, WA resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Tacoma, WA.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best California to Tacoma, WA movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Tacoma, WA.
- How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Tacoma, WA car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.
Moving 915 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to Tacoma, WA moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Tacoma is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Tacoma.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.
What is the average cost to move from California to Tacoma, WA?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Tacoma for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Size of the Move | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
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| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,271 - $4,892 | $862 - $1,992 | $638 - $1,219 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,530 - $6,151 | $1,611 - $3,159 | $732 - $1,405 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,528 - $8,430 | $2,000 - $4,099 | $918 - $1,779 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 915 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from California to Tacoma, WA will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Tacoma?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Tacoma will cost between $1,271 to $4,892. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Tacoma will range from $2,530 to $6,151, and a large move from California to Tacoma will cost from $4,528 to $8,430.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Tacoma?
Moving containers from California to Tacoma will cost you $862 to $1,992 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,611 to $3,159. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,000 to $4,099.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Tacoma.
How much is a moving truck from California to Tacoma?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Tacoma, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $638 to $1,219. A larger move will cost $732 to $1,405, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Tacoma costs from $918 to $1,779. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.
Is moving from California to Tacoma, WA a good idea?
Cost of living: California vs Tacoma, WA
| California | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,586 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $746,055 | $462,500 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $71,089 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 7% |
| State income tax | 13% | 0% |
Tacoma sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 7% more expensive in Tacoma than in California.
- Home prices are about 38% lower in Tacoma than in California.
- The average income is about 23% lower in Tacoma than in California.
- Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 52%.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Tacoma than in California.
How is life different in Tacoma from California?
| Tacoma | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,849 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 54-43 | Democratic 63-34 |
| Summer high | 77ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 41" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 7" |
| Crime index | 1.0 | 27.88 |
Tacoma sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Tacoma is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Tacoma voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Tacoma is 77ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Tacoma reaches the temperature of 35ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 41 inches of annual rainfall in Tacoma vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Tacoma, it snows about 4 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Tacoma has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 1.0.
Considerations for moving to Tacoma, WA
- Weather: Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94112 (415) 413-4646 |
| Meathead Movers | Get A Quote |
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3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (805) 544-6328 |
| Air 1 Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA, 91311 (866) 485-1030 |
Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Need a local Tacoma mover?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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914 Valley Ave NW Ste 102, Puyallup, WA, 98371 (253) 864-7870 |
| Mountain Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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9413 47th Ave SW Bldg 14 Suite E, Lakewood, WA, 98499 (800) 249-2414 |
| Atlantic Relocation Systems | Get A Quote |
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2121 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA, 98409 (509) 258-5050 |
Visit our best movers in Tacoma page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Tacoma?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Tacoma.
Museums in Tacoma
- LeMay - America's Car Museum
- Museum of Glass
- LeMay Collections at Marymount
- Washington State History Museum
- Tacoma Art Museum
- Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
- Tacoma Pioneer Telephone Museum
- Tacoma Glassblowing Studio
Parks in Tacoma
- Point Defiance Park
- Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park
- 5 Mile Drive & Trails
- Wright Park
- W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
Sports Teams in Tacoma
- Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)
- Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball)
Universities in Tacoma
- Pacific Lutheran University
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
FAQs
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Tacoma?
Because of the 915-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Tacoma as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma, WA?
With the summer highs of 77ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF, most people move to Tacoma from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Tacoma during summer or winter.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Tacoma?
Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Tacoma.
