Highly rated local moving companies for Portland to Tacoma moves
Organizing a move from Portland to Tacoma can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating nine local movers in Portland known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Portland to Tacoma.
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1846942
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT Portland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Bisson Moving & Storage Company , Bisson I & R Commercial Services , Bisson I & R Document Security , Bisson Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines , Allen & Coles Moving System
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 626233
Alternate Names: Tiny Tims Moving & Trucking, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Tacoma?
On average, moving companies in Maine charge about $225 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,637 – $6,562 | $1,480 – $3,621 | $1,552 – $3,170 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $5,027 – $9,997 | $2,520 – $5,228 | $1,716 – $3,849 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,558 – $15,640 | $3,662 – $7,445 | $2,349 – $4,727 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Tacoma
When planning a move to Tacoma from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,637 and $6,562. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $5,027 and $9,997 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,558 to $15,640.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Tacoma
When you’re heading from Portland to Tacoma, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,480 and $3,621. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,520 and $5,228. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,662 to $7,445. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Maine easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Tacoma
A moving rental truck from Portland to Tacoma is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,552 to $3,170. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,716 to $3,849, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Tacoma costs around $2,349 to $4,727.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Tacoma
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Tacoma may only cost $3,504, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $14,051.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Portland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,552–$4,269), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Portland to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about 66% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Portland versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $7,260 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 17% less expensive in Tacoma than in Portland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 12% cheaper in Tacoma than in Portland.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 14% greater in Tacoma than in Portland, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tacoma, with the cost of living for a single person being 66% more than in Portland. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Tacoma, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 20% higher than in Portland.
- Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 40%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma surpass those in Portland by 87%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Portland | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Portland than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Portland vs. Tacoma
| Portland | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 48 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 227% greater than Portland.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
- Tacoma is less walkable than Portland with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Portland’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 Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 55.55 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 44.45 vs Portland’s 67.84.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Costs across Portland and Tacoma are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Washington, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Washington, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tacoma. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Tacoma
With your sights set on America’s #1 Wired City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tacoma.
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
With your move to Washington complete, you can dive right into experiencing Tacoma. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Tacoma is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Tacoma?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Tacoma. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Tacoma?
Want to save on your move from Portland to Tacoma? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Portland to Tacoma take?
The 3,166-mile move from Portland, ME, to Tacoma, , takes seven to 21 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tacoma.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 13 piano movers and 7 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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