Top local movers for Houston to Tacoma moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Houston that also provides long-distance services to Tacoma can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 49 local movers in Houston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Houston to Tacoma.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Tacoma?
Movers in Texas generally charge an average of $131 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,243 – $5,213 | $1,299 – $3,195 | $1,290 – $2,620 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,370 – $7,771 | $2,242 – $4,371 | $1,410 – $2,938 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,463 – $11,670 | $3,021 – $5,990 | $1,692 – $3,566 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Tacoma
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Tacoma typically costs between $1,243 and $5,213. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,370 and $7,771 when moving from Houston to Tacoma. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Houston to Tacoma, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,463 up to $11,670.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Tacoma
If you’re relocating from Houston to Tacoma, you’ll typically spend between $1,299 and $3,195 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,242 up to $4,371. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,021 and $5,990. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Tacoma
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Houston to Tacoma move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,290 and $2,620. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,410 to $2,938. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,692 and $3,566.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Houston to Tacoma
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Houston to Tacoma might be as low as $2,670, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,346.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Houston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,290 to $3,387 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Houston to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about 49% higher for singles and 1% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Houston versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $7,260 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 7% higher in Tacoma than in Houston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 81% higher in Tacoma than in Houston.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Tacoma and Houston, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Tacoma, as the cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 49% greater than in Houston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Tacoma and Houston, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma exceeds that of Houston by about 78%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma exceed those in Houston by 25%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Neither Texas nor Washington has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Houston and Tacoma, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Houston | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Houston vs. Tacoma
| Houston | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 48 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 90% less than Houston.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Houston with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- Both Tacoma and Houston have similar bike-friendliness scores (49 vs 48), meaning Tacoma is about as safe for cyclists as Houston. 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 Houston with a score of 55.55 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Tacoma is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 44.45 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tacoma without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Tacoma
Ready to relocate to America’s #1 Wired City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Tacoma. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tacoma include museums and art centers like the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Tacoma?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to Tacoma. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Tacoma?
With many people choosing to move from Houston to Tacoma in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Houston to Tacoma take?
Covering 2,338 miles, the move from Houston, TX to Tacoma, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Houston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tacoma can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Houston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Houston can handle specialty items for my move to Tacoma?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Houston, 27 movers can handle pianos. 15 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Houston moving services
Popular Texas routes
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