Top-rated local movers that handle Raleigh to Tacoma moves
When planning a move from Raleigh to Tacoma, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Raleigh who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Raleigh to Tacoma.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Tacoma?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,253 – $5,553 | $1,426 – $3,626 | $1,524 – $3,049 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,624 – $7,660 | $2,402 – $5,078 | $1,719 – $3,739 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,819 – $12,463 | $3,525 – $7,511 | $2,110 – $4,457 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Tacoma
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Tacoma, you can expect to spend between $1,253 and $5,553. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,624 to $7,660 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Raleigh to Tacoma typically runs between $6,819 and $12,463.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Tacoma
When moving from Raleigh to Tacoma, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,426 and $3,626. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,402 to $5,078. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,525 up to $7,511. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Tacoma
Renting a moving truck in Raleigh is usually your cheapest option to get to Tacoma. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,524 and $3,049. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,719 and $3,739. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,110 and $4,457.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Raleigh to Tacoma
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,712, but larger homes can run up to $10,647.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Raleigh.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,524–$3,984) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about -32% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Raleigh.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Raleigh versus $6,077 in Raleigh; families pay $7,260 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Raleigh | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 0.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Raleigh to Tacoma, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 11% higher in Tacoma than in Raleigh.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 2752% higher in Tacoma compared to Raleigh, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Tacoma, where the cost of living for a single person is 32% less than in Raleigh.
- If your journey leads to Tacoma, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 19% more than it is in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 70% higher compared to Raleigh, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 42% higher in Tacoma than in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh with Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Raleigh than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Raleigh than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Raleigh than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Raleigh than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Raleigh than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Tacoma
| Raleigh | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 48 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 52% less than Raleigh.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Tacoma is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 55.55 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 44.45 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Tacoma?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Tacoma are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Tacoma?
Because spring and fall moves from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Tacoma take?
A move of 2,887 miles from Raleigh, NC to Tacoma, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Raleigh sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tacoma is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Raleigh?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Raleigh offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 20 movers in Raleigh have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Raleigh moving services
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