The best local movers for Modesto to Tacoma moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Modesto that also handles long-distance moves to Tacoma. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 14 local movers in Modesto who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Modesto to Tacoma.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Brewer Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192036
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3329727
Alternate Names: Brewer Moving, LLC , J B Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Tacoma?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,102 – $4,199 | $715 – $1,771 | $544 – $993 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,373 – $5,809 | $1,409 – $2,584 | $617 – $1,277 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,942 – $8,052 | $1,726 – $3,403 | $750 – $1,445 |
Cost to hire movers from Modesto to Tacoma
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Modesto to Tacoma will cost between $1,102 and $4,199. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Modesto to Modesto will range from $2,373 to $5,809, and a large move from Modesto to Tacoma will cost from $3,942 to $8,052.
Cost of moving containers from Modesto to Tacoma
If you’re moving from Modesto to Tacoma, expect to pay between $715 and $1,771 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,409 up to $2,584. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,726 and $3,403. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Modesto to Tacoma
Renting a moving truck from Modesto to Tacoma is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $544 and $993. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $617 and $1,277. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $750 up to $1,445 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Tacoma
The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,642.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($544–$1,339) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about 79% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Modesto versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $7,260 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to Tacoma from Modesto, you’ll find that rent is roughly 8% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 8% greater in Tacoma than in Modesto.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 9% higher in Tacoma than in Modesto, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 79% higher than in Modesto. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Tacoma, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 22% greater than in Modesto.
- Tacoma enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 9% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 16% in Tacoma over Modesto, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Tacoma
| Modesto | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 48 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is within about 5% of Modesto, so they’re very similar in size.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Modesto’s score of 5.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Modesto’s 48 out of 100.
- Both Tacoma and Modesto have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 48), meaning Tacoma is about as safe for cyclists as Modesto. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 55.55 compared to Modesto’s 65.76. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Tacoma is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 44.45 vs Modesto’s 34.24.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Modesto it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tacoma. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tacoma
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to America’s #1 Wired City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tacoma.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Eastside-Enact
- North End
- Northeast Tacoma
- West End
Best neighborhoods for families
- North End
- West End
Things to do in Tacoma
Once you’re settled into your new home in Washington, it’s time to get out and discover what Tacoma has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tacoma, such as the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Tacoma?
The best time to move from Modesto to Tacoma is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Tacoma?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Tacoma, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Tacoma take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Tacoma, covers 796 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tacoma.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Modesto moving services
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