Tacoma to Olympia Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Tacoma to Olympia, WA is $35 - $3,967 for the ~30-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as All Ready Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 95 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $133/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 Tacoma to Olympia?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Tacoma to Olympia 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 All Ready Moving & Storage (4.62/5) as the top local pick, followed by Mountain Moving & Storage (4.58/5). 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 Tacoma to Olympia 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 Tacoma to Olympia?
Expect to spend between $35 and $3,967* on a Tacoma to Olympia move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $431 - $3,967
- Moving containers: $104 - $1,405
- Rental trucks: $35 - $135
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 the route yourself 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 | $431 - $1,393 | $104 - $695 | $35 - $88 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $828 - $2,531 | $334 - $977 | $40 - $108 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,255 - $3,967 | $718 - $1,405 | $54 - $135 |
*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 Tacoma, WA movers.
How Tacoma to Olympia moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $133 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 $1,599.
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. 11% of Tacoma 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 Tacoma movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Mountain Moving & 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 Tacoma to Olympia
Moving from Tacoma to Olympia 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. All Ready Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 95 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Tacoma to Olympia
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:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (4.62/5 stars): 91.6% positive customer ratings.
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars): 84.4% positive customer ratings.
- Triple 7 Movers (4.64/5 stars): 93.3% positive customer ratings.
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.58/5 stars): 82.7% positive customer ratings.
- Ed's Moving & Storage (4.48/5 stars): 67.2% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 62 movers in Tacoma, drawing on 14,072 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Tacoma to Olympia
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 Tacoma, WA
Tacoma residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Washington moving resources
How does Olympia compare to Tacoma?
Cost of living: Tacoma vs. Olympia
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.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Tacoma and Olympia 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 Olympia are 15% higher than in Tacoma. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 15% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Olympia match Tacoma. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Average income in Olympia is 8% lower than Tacoma. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Olympia is 40% lower than Tacoma. The savings typically free up 40% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Olympia is 26% lower than Tacoma. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Olympia runs 23% lower than Tacoma. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Olympia are 9% lower than Tacoma. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,800 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Tacoma.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Olympia
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Olympia might look different from Tacoma in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
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).
- Olympia is 75% smaller in size than Tacoma. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Tacoma and Olympia voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Olympia (78°F) match Tacoma (77°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Tacoma (35°F) and Olympia (33°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Olympia is 53 inches, vs. 41 inches in Tacoma. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Tacoma (4 inches) and Olympia (6 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Olympia (27.95) is lower than Tacoma (55.55). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Olympia
Olympia'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 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
Universities in Olympia
- Saint Martin's University
- South Puget Sound Community College
- Evergreen State College
- Saint Martin's University
Final verdict: Tacoma to Olympia 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, All Ready Moving & Storage (4.62/5) is the top local choice, with 91.6% positive reviews across 95 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $35 - $3,967, based on our analysis of 95+ Washington movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Tacoma to Olympia
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 Tacoma to Olympia?
A rental truck from Tacoma to Olympia costs $34 - $86 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $40 - $108 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $54 - $135 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Is moving from Tacoma to Olympia considered a long-distance move?
A move from Tacoma to Olympia is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Washington law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Washington intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How many movers in Tacoma offer labor-only help?
45% of movers in Tacoma offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
How much are moving container companies from Tacoma to Olympia?
Moving containers from Tacoma to Olympia cost $100 - $702 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $334 - $977, and a larger home costs $718 - $1,405.
