Milwaukee, WI to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Milwaukee to Tacoma typically costs $3,900–$9,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,005 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Milwaukee to Tacoma
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Tacoma, WA typically costs $3,900–$9,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,005-mile move from Milwaukee to Tacoma, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,201 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $3,628 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,892 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Milwaukee to Tacoma
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,700, but larger homes can run up to $13,400.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Milwaukee.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,300–$3,800) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI guide.
Best Milwaukee to Tacoma movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Milwaukee to Tacoma
For a stress-free interstate move from Milwaukee to Tacoma, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WI→WA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 39 Wisconsin moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tacoma runs about 104% higher for singles and 46% higher for families than Milwaukee.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Tacoma versus $2,022 in Milwaukee; families pay $7,260 compared with $4,963.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Milwaukee | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,022 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,963 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Tacoma, note that rent can be roughly 32% more expensive than it is in Milwaukee; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 138% higher in Tacoma than in Milwaukee.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 47% higher in Tacoma compared to Milwaukee, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person is 104% more than in Milwaukee. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Tacoma, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 46% more than it is in Milwaukee.
- Both Tacoma and Milwaukee present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 110% higher in Tacoma than in Milwaukee. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Milwaukee with Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Milwaukee | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $53.38 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Milwaukee than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Milwaukee than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Milwaukee than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Milwaukee than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Milwaukee than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Milwaukee than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships cost more in Milwaukee than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Tacoma
| Milwaukee | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 48 |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 33.24 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma's population is about 61% less than Milwaukee.
- Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Milwaukee's score of 8.
- Tacoma is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 out of 100.
- Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Milwaukee, which has a score of 58.
- Tacoma's crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 55.55 compared to Milwaukee's 66.76. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Tacoma is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 44.45 vs Milwaukee's 33.24.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Milwaukee it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Washington doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tacoma smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tacoma
Now that you've chosen America’s #1 Wired City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it's time to see what Tacoma is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tacoma offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Tacoma?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Milwaukee to Tacoma are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Milwaukee are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Tacoma?
Because spring and fall moves from Milwaukee to Tacoma are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Milwaukee to Tacoma take?
A move of 2,005 miles from Milwaukee, WI to Tacoma, WA generally takes six to 17 days. Movers in Milwaukee sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tacoma is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Milwaukee offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Milwaukee have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
