($1,423+) Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA

Moving from Houston, TX, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,409 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,373 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,339 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,495, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,373 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,800 - $6,285, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,409 - $3,703.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,874 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA

There are 3 main ways to move from Houston to Tacoma: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,874 - $7,605. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,339 miles, expect 7 to 18 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,339-mile route from Houston to Tacoma, broken down by home size:

Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,495 - $5,722 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,800 - $3,545), rental truck ($1,409 - $2,591), or freight trailer ($1,685 - $3,221). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,874 - $7,605 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,373.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA

For the 2,339-mile move from Houston, Texas, to Tacoma, Washington, full-service movers cost between $2,495 and $12,373. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $322 - $2,148 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Houston generally start around $175 plus $75 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Houston to Tacoma:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,495 - $5,722
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,874 - $7,605
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,135 - $12,373

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Houston to Tacoma.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA

Specialty needs vary by market — 66% of Houston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tacoma, 97% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing96% of local movers$537 - $5,370
Storage in transitNew place not ready66% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage$215 - $1,289/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$322 - $2,578
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs66% of local movers$1,074 - $3,222
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,685 - $10,740
Car shippingSecond vehicle$804 - $1,528
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage$1,074 - $2,685
PianoAny piano type54% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage$859 - $3,759
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling22% of local movers$322 - $1,611
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage$698 - $2,148
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$322 - $16,110+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$322 - $3,759+

What are the best full-service movers from Houston to Tacoma?

Washington Movers Conference membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Washington, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Houston, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA

Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,800 and $6,285. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Houston typically costs about $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Tacoma:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,800 - $3,545
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,260 - $4,976
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,365 - $6,285

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $161 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tacoma, WA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $752 in Houston, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Washington move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,800. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,260 - $4,976, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Houston to Tacoma?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Houston to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Houston:

  • 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
  • Summit Moving And Storage Houston (4.6/5), 5 years in business
  • Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 22 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA

Plan on $1,409 - $3,703 for a rental moving truck on the 2,339-mile route from Houston, Texas, to Tacoma, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $799 - $913
  • Daily insurance: $32/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $21
  • Houston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Houston to Tacoma based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,409 - $2,591
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $3,337
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,964 - $3,703

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,409 - $3,703 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Houston to Tacoma. Fuel ($799 - $913) , lodging at around $161/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Houston, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $752.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $799 - $913 for the 2,339-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $349, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $161 per night for hotel stops on the 2,339-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $322 - $483.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston to Tacoma?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Houston, Texas, to Tacoma, Washington. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $967 and $3,786.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Tacoma:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,685 - $3,221
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,959 - $3,786
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,589 - $5,346

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $81 - $161 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Houston, Texas, typically costs $752.

What are the best freight companies from Houston to Tacoma?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC (4.58/5 stars): W W Rowland Trucking Company, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Tacoma, WA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tacoma, side by side with Houston on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Houston, TX Tacoma, WA
Cost of living index97123
Average rent$1,549/mo$1,650/mo
Median home value$258,925$454,577
Average income$62,894/yr$83,857/yr
Unemployment rate4.1%7.3%
State income taxNoneNone
Walkability score47/10054/100
Safety index36.5/10044.45/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX guide.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 2,339-mile route from Houston, TX, to Tacoma, WA, run $2,495 - $12,373 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,800 - $6,285, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,409 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,874, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.

FAQs: Moving from Houston, TX, to Tacoma, WA

How much does it cost to move from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA?

Costs on this route range from around $2,495 to $12,373, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,495 and $12,373, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

What do local movers charge in Houston?

Local movers based in Houston typically start around $175 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tacoma run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How long does a move from Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What are the best neighborhoods in Tacoma?

For families, North End and West End are worth a look in Tacoma. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central, Eastside-Enact, and North End tend to be popular picks instead.

What percentage of Houston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 54% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.