Moving from Olympia to Tacoma, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Olympia to Tacoma costs between $38 to $4,598 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 31-mile route within Washington take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Olympia to Tacoma
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Olympia to Tacoma are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Olympia to driving and unloading in Tacoma, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 31 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $860 - $2,963 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $380 - $1,155 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $46 - $119 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | All Ready Moving & Storage | $133/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Olympia to Tacoma?
It costs between $38 to $4,598 to move from Olympia to Tacoma. The prices below break down your 31-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $521 - $4,598
- Moving containers: $127 - $1,628
- Rental trucks: $38 - $146
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $521 - $1,474 | $127 - $855 | $38 - $101 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $860 - $2,963 | $380 - $1,155 | $46 - $119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,455 - $4,598 | $816 - $1,628 | $63 - $146 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $336 - $2,800+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $224 - $896 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $56 - $224 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Olympia to Tacoma
At 31 miles, your Olympia to Tacoma move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Olympia to Tacoma. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Washington, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 31 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Triple 7 Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Olympia to Tacoma. They've been in business since 2009 (17 years of experience) and 93.6% of their 654 verified reviews are positive.
More Washington moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma to Olympia guide.
Considerations when moving from Olympia to Tacoma
Cost of living: Olympia vs. Tacoma
When weighing the cost of living in Olympia versus Tacoma, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Tacoma really 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% |
- Rent in Tacoma is around 13% less expensive than in Olympia, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices are the same in Tacoma and Olympia, meaning your overall housing investment likely won’t change much, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.
- Salaries here are, on average, 9% higher than in Olympia. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 67% higher in Tacoma compared to Olympia, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 35% higher than in Olympia. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Tacoma less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Tacoma is 30% higher than in Olympia. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 10% higher in Tacoma than in Olympia. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Olympia and Tacoma. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out 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 sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Tacoma is about 303% larger than Olympia. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Olympia and Tacoma leaned Democratic.
- In Tacoma and Olympia, summer highs run about the same — 77°F vs. 78°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Olympia and Tacoma face similar winter lows—Olympia drops to 33°F, while Tacoma falls to 35°F.
- Olympia usually sees more rain than Tacoma, with about 53 inches of rainfall each year compared to Tacoma’s 41 inches.
- You won’t notice much difference in snowfall moving from Olympia to Tacoma. Both average about 6 and 4 inches of snow each year.
- Tacoma reports a higher crime index than Olympia, with scores of 55.55 and 27.95, respectively.
Things to do in Tacoma
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Tacoma has it all.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Olympia to Tacoma?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Olympia to Tacoma, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $407 and $1,355. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $860 up to $2,963. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,455 to $4,598 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Olympia to Tacoma?
Moving containers from Olympia to Tacoma will cost you $115 to $830 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $380 to $1,155. A larger home will cost $816 to $1,628.
How much is a moving truck from Olympia to Tacoma?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $38 to $95. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $46 and $119. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Olympia to Tacoma, costs usually fall between $63 and $146.
How far in advance should I book Olympia-to-Tacoma movers?
To make your move from Olympia to Tacoma as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma?
For the best deals on your move to Tacoma, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
