Seattle to Tacoma Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Seattle to Tacoma, WA (~33 miles) typically costs $32 - $4,045, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Local movers such as Gentle Giant Moving Company, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 221 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $141/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Seattle to Tacoma?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Seattle to Tacoma are regulated by Washington law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Washington intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Washington companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by Pure Moving Company (4.62/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Seattle to Tacoma moves complete in - days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 95+ Washington movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Tacoma?
Moving from Seattle to Tacoma costs between $32 and $4,045*, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The breakdown below shows what each moving service typically runs, depending on your home size:
- Full-service movers: $449 - $4,045
- Moving containers: $102 - $1,391
- Rental trucks: $32 - $131
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the heavy lifting to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving and either do the heavy lifting yourself or hire moving labor.
- 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 | $449 - $1,366 | $102 - $738 | $32 - $80 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $765 - $2,633 | $341 - $937 | $42 - $103 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,306 - $4,045 | $697 - $1,391 | $58 - $131 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 95+ Washington moving companies, and are updated as of September 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.
Learn more about the cost of Seattle, WA movers.
How Seattle to Tacoma moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $141 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,692.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 15% of Seattle movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 29% of Seattle movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Seattle to Tacoma
Moving from Seattle to Tacoma is a job for local and regional Washington movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Gentle Giant Moving Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 221 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Seattle to Tacoma
Local movers operating within Washington know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.64/5 stars): 99.5% positive customer ratings.
- Pure Moving Company (4.62/5 stars): 98.2% positive customer ratings.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.64/5 stars): 74.4% positive customer ratings.
- Seattle Movers (4.58/5 stars): 80.7% positive customer ratings.
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage (4.62/5 stars): 85.3% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 62 movers in Seattle, drawing on 13,075 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Seattle to Tacoma
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Seattle, WA
Seattle residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Washington moving resources
How does Tacoma compare to Seattle?
Cost of living: Seattle vs. Tacoma
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Seattle | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,975 | $1,650 |
| Average home cost | $911,938 | $454,577 |
| Average income (per capita) | $121,984 | $83,857 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,740 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,801 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.3% |
| Average sales tax | 10.35% | 10.3% |
Cost-of-living data for Seattle and Tacoma comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 95+ Washington moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 16% lower than in Seattle. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Tacoma are 50% lower than Seattle. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Tacoma is 31% lower than Seattle. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Tacoma is 11% higher than Seattle. Plan to add roughly 11% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Tacoma is 26% lower than Seattle. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Tacoma runs 52% higher than Seattle. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma and Seattle match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,330 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Seattle.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Tacoma
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Tacoma might look different from Seattle in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Seattle | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 223,968 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-43 | Democratic 54-43 |
| Summer high | 76ºF | 77ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 4" |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 55.55 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Washington can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 31% of movers in Washington, vs 33% nationally).
- Tacoma is 70% smaller in size than Seattle. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Seattle and Tacoma voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Tacoma (77°F) match Seattle (76°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Seattle (36°F) and Tacoma (35°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Seattle (38 inches) and Tacoma (41 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Seattle (5 inches) and Tacoma (4 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Tacoma (55.55) is lower than Seattle (58.88). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Tacoma
Tacoma offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
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: Seattle to Tacoma movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Washington service. For smaller moves, Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 99.5% positive reviews across 221 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $32 - $4,045, based on our analysis of 95+ Washington movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Seattle to Tacoma
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Seattle to Tacoma?
A full-service move from Seattle to Tacoma costs $337 - $1,170 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $765 - $2,633, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,306 - $4,045.
How far in advance should I book Seattle-to-Tacoma movers?
Book your Seattle to Tacoma movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How long does a move from Seattle to Tacoma take?
Most moves from Seattle to Tacoma take - days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
Do movers in Washington offer storage?
93% of movers in Washington offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How much is a moving truck from Seattle to Tacoma?
A rental truck from Seattle to Tacoma costs $35 - $81 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $42 - $103 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $58 - $131 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
