($1,429+) Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,429 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,994 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,535 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 $2,579, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,994 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,853 - $6,333, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,429 - $3,763.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,803 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 Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chattanooga 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 $3,803 - $8,062. Containers cost roughly 41% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 62% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,535 miles, expect 7 to 21 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 2,535-mile route from Chattanooga to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,579 for a studio up to $11,994 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,853 - $6,333 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,429 - $3,763, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,555 - $5,225, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA
For the 2,535-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Tacoma, Washington, full-service movers cost between $2,579 and $11,994. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $310 - $2,064 (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 Chattanooga generally start around $280 plus $99 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,579 - $6,207
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,803 - $8,062
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,936 - $11,994
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 Chattanooga to Tacoma.
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 Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tacoma, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $516 - $5,160 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $206 - $1,238/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,477 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs63% of local movers | $1,032 - $3,096 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,580 - $10,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $773 - $1,469 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $1,032 - $2,580 |
| Piano | Any piano type23% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $826 - $3,612 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $310 - $1,548 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $671 - $2,064 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,480+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,612+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chattanooga, TN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,853 and $6,333. 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 Chattanooga typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,853 - $3,452
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,239 - $4,609
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,115 - $6,333
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $155 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $722 in Chattanooga, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tacoma, WA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee 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 $1,853. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,239 - $4,609.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA
Plan on $1,429 - $3,763 for a rental moving truck on the 2,535-mile route from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Tacoma, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $832 - $951
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Chattanooga to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,429 - $2,739
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,456 - $3,357
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,974 - $3,763
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chattanooga to Tacoma looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,429 - $3,763. But once you factor in fuel ($832 - $951), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $155 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $67 and $335 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $832 - $951 in fuel for the 2,535-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $722 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Tacoma, Washington, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,847 and $3,959.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,555 - $3,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,847 - $3,959
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,493 - $5,225
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $722.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $155 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
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: Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chattanooga, TN | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 123 |
| Average rent | $1,475/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $259,125 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $61,028/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | None | None |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 46.11/100 | 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 Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Washington, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Tennessee alone has 213 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,535-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Chattanooga, TN, to Tacoma, WA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,579 - $11,994 on the 2,535-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,853 - $6,333, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,429 - $3,763. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,803 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Tacoma, WA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chattanooga, TN 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.
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga, TN to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,429 to $11,994, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,579 and $11,994, 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.
How walkable is Tacoma?
Tacoma has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 29 and 35 in Chattanooga. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($832 - $951), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Washington?
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.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 23% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.