Moving from Olympia to Tacoma, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Olympia to Tacoma costs $38–$4,507, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 31-mile route within Washington take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 94+ Washington moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Olympia to Tacoma?
Moving from Olympia to Tacoma doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 31-mile move:
Moving from Olympia to Tacoma costs between $38 and $4,507, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 31-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $941–$3,082 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $368–$1,086 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $47–$118 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $133/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 94+ Washington movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Olympia to Tacoma?
Expect to spend between $38 and $4,507 on a Olympia to Tacoma move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 31-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $542–$4,507
- Moving containers: $122–$1,534
- Rental trucks: $38–$153
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 31 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $542–$1,567 | $122–$805 | $38–$94 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $941–$3,082 | $368–$1,086 | $47–$118 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,574–$4,507 | $832–$1,534 | $67–$153 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 94+ Washington moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Olympia to Tacoma move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Olympia to Tacoma move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Olympia to Tacoma
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Olympia to Tacoma, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 31 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Olympia to Tacoma. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Washington, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 31 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Washington moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma to Olympia guide.
How does Tacoma compare to Olympia?
Cost of living: Olympia vs. Tacoma
A cost-of-living comparison between Olympia and Tacoma covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Tacoma compares to Olympia.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Olympia | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,895 | $1,650 |
| Average home cost | $457,660 | $454,577 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,930 | $83,857 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,391 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.3% |
| Average sales tax | 9.4% | 10.3% |
Cost-of-living data for Olympia and Tacoma comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 94+ Washington cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Tacoma is 13% lower than Olympia. Apply the savings to a larger unit, a better neighborhood, or higher monthly savings.
- Home prices in Tacoma match Olympia. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Salaries in Tacoma average 9% higher than Olympia. Use local salary data, not Olympia comps, when benchmarking offers.
- Cost of living for one person is 67% higher in Tacoma than Olympia. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Tacoma is 35% higher than Olympia. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Tacoma is 30% higher than Olympia. Job security is less certain, especially in cyclical or layoff-prone industries.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma are 10% higher than Olympia. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Olympia, you'd need about $5,010 in Tacoma.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Tacoma
A comparison of life in Olympia and Tacoma covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Olympia | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 223,968 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-39 | Democratic 54-43 |
| Summer high | 78ºF | 77ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 4" |
| Crime index | 27.95 | 55.55 |
- Tacoma is 303% larger in size than Olympia. Expect more job opportunities and amenities, balanced against higher housing costs and a faster pace.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Olympia and Tacoma leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Tacoma (77°F) and Olympia (78°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Olympia (33°F) and Tacoma (35°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall in Olympia runs 53 inches, higher than Tacoma's 41 inches. Expect drier conditions and reduced rain-related home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Olympia (6 inches) and Tacoma (4 inches) is comparable. Winter budgets and habits don't require adjustment.
- Crime index in Tacoma (55.55) runs higher than Olympia (27.95). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in Tacoma
Tacoma's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Tacoma
- LeMay - America's Car Museum
- Museum of Glass
- LeMay Collections at Marymount
- Washington State History Museum
- Tacoma Art Museum
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
Final verdict: best movers from Olympia to Tacoma
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Olympia to Tacoma, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Washington service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $38–$4,507 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 94+ Washington movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Olympia to Tacoma
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Olympia to Tacoma?
A move from Olympia to Tacoma with a professional moving company costs $415–$1,329 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $941 up to $3,082. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,574–$4,507 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Olympia to Tacoma?
Moving containers from Olympia to Tacoma cost $112–$806 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $368–$1,086. A larger home costs $832–$1,534.
How much is a moving truck from Olympia to Tacoma?
A rental moving truck from Olympia to Tacoma costs $39–$95 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $47–$118, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $67 and $153.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Olympia-to-Tacoma movers?
Lock in your movers for a Olympia to Tacoma move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma?
The best deals on a move to Tacoma fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
