Moving from Tacoma to Olympia, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Tacoma to Olympia costs between $40 to $4,282 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 30-mile route within Washington take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Tacoma to Olympia
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tacoma to Olympia are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tacoma to driving and unloading in Olympia, 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 30 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $896 - $3,081 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $368 - $1,110 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $118 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | A2B Moving & Storage, LLC | $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 Tacoma to Olympia?
It costs between $40 to $4,282 to move from Tacoma to Olympia. The prices below break down your 30-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $521 - $4,282
- Moving containers: $120 - $1,581
- Rental trucks: $40 - $157
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $521 - $1,629 | $120 - $839 | $40 - $99 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $896 - $3,081 | $368 - $1,110 | $49 - $118 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,514 - $4,282 | $768 - $1,581 | $61 - $157 |
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 | $369 - $3,075+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $246 - $984 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $62 - $246 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Tacoma to Olympia
At 30 miles, your Tacoma to Olympia 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 Tacoma to Olympia. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Washington, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 30 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Triple 7 Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Tacoma to Olympia. 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 Olympia to Tacoma guide.
Considerations when moving from Tacoma to Olympia
Cost of living: Tacoma vs. Olympia
When weighing the cost of living in Tacoma versus Olympia, 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 Olympia really compares to Tacoma.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tacoma | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $1,895 |
| Average home cost | $454,577 | $457,660 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,857 | $76,930 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,133 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,260 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 5.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.3% | 9.4% |
- Rent prices in Olympia are 15% higher than in Tacoma. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices are the same in Olympia and Tacoma, meaning your overall housing investment likely won’t change much, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.
- Income in Olympia is 8% lower than in Tacoma, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Olympia is 40% cheaper for one person compared to Tacoma. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Olympia, you’ll find that the cost of living is 26% lower than in Tacoma. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Olympia is 23% lower than in Tacoma. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in Olympia than in Tacoma. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Olympia can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Tacoma, you’d need about $1,800 in Olympia.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Olympia
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Tacoma and Olympia. 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.
| Tacoma | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 55,605 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 54-43 | Democratic 58-39 |
| Summer high | 77ºF | 78ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 41" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 6" |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 27.95 |
Olympia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Olympia is approximately 75% lower than the population of Tacoma. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Tacoma and Olympia leaned Democratic.
- In Olympia and Tacoma, summer highs run about the same — 78°F vs. 77°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Tacoma and Olympia face similar winter lows—Tacoma drops to 35°F, while Olympia falls to 33°F.
- Olympia receives more annual rainfall than Tacoma, with about 53 inches per year compared to Tacoma’s 41 inches.
- You won’t notice much difference in snowfall moving from Tacoma to Olympia. Both average about 4 and 6 inches of snow each year.
- Olympia offers more peace of mind than Tacoma, with a lower crime index of 27.95 versus 55.55.
Things to do in Olympia
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Olympia has it all.
Museums in Olympia
- Hands On Children's Museum
- Olympic Flight Museum
- WET Science Center
- Bigelow House Museum
- Childhood's End Gallery
Parks in Olympia
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
- Squaxin Park
- Percival Landing
- Tolmie State Park
- Monarch Sculpture Park
Sports teams in Olympia
Universities in Olympia
- Saint Martin's University
- South Puget Sound Community College
- Evergreen State College
- Saint Martin's University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tacoma to Olympia?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Tacoma to Olympia, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $379 and $1,277. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $896 up to $3,081. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,514 to $4,282 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Tacoma to Olympia?
Moving containers from Tacoma to Olympia will cost you $118 to $758 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $368 to $1,110. A larger home will cost $768 to $1,581.
How much is a moving truck from Tacoma to Olympia?
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 $39 to $93. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $49 and $118. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Tacoma to Olympia, costs usually fall between $61 and $157.
How far in advance should I book Tacoma-to-Olympia movers?
To make your move from Tacoma to Olympia 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 Olympia?
For the best deals on your move to Olympia, 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.
