($1,530+) Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,500 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,449 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,543 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,596, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,449 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,946 - $7,064, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,500 - $4,115.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,867 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Birmingham to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,867 - $7,959 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,543 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,543-mile route from Birmingham to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,596 for a studio up to $12,449 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,946 - $7,064 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,500 - $4,115, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,752 - $5,372, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,543-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tacoma, Washington, with costs ranging from $2,596 - $12,449. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $304 - $2,028. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Birmingham and Tacoma. Local movers in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,596 - $6,327
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,867 - $7,959
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,036 - $12,449
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 Birmingham to Tacoma.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $507 - $5,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $203 - $1,217/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $304 - $2,434 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,014 - $3,042 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,535 - $10,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $759 - $1,443 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,014 - $2,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $811 - $3,549 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $304 - $1,521 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy | $659 - $2,028 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $304 - $15,210+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $304 - $3,549+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Tacoma?
Movers licensed to operate in Washington are typically members of the Washington Movers Conference, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Birmingham, AL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,946 and $7,064. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Birmingham typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,946 - $3,770
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,522 - $4,886
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,269 - $7,064
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $710 in Birmingham, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tacoma, WA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama 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 $1,946. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,522 - $4,886, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Tacoma?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:
- Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 14 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,543-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $1,500 and $4,115, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $820 - $938
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Birmingham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Birmingham to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,500 - $2,817
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,608 - $3,285
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,032 - $4,115
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,500 - $4,115 when pricing out a rental truck from Birmingham to Tacoma. Fuel alone runs ($820 - $938) , and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $820 - $938 for the 2,543-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about 5 hours typically costs around $710.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,543-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $304 - $456 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $304.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Tacoma?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
If you're moving a larger household from Birmingham, Alabama, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Tacoma, Washington.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,038 and $4,279.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,752 - $3,196
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,038 - $4,279
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,833 - $5,372
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $76 - $152 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about five hours typically runs $710.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Kykenkee, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Birmingham to Tacoma. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Birmingham, AL | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 123 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $141,615 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $44,376/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | None |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 38.36/100 | 44.45/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Birmingham, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Washington, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 46 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 2,543-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Birmingham, AL, to Tacoma, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,596 for a studio to $12,449 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,543-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,946 - $7,064. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,500 - $4,115, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,867 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Tacoma, WA
What do local movers charge in Birmingham?
Local movers based in Birmingham typically start around $310 as a base rate, plus $175/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 Birmingham, AL 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 is the cheapest way to move from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,608 - $3,285. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Tacoma a safe place to live?
Tacoma has a safety index of 44.45 out of 100 and a crime index of 55.55, compared to 38.36 and 61.64 in Birmingham. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
