($148+) Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Portland, OR, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $148 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,879 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 143 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $808, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,879 or more.
- Moving containers run $737 - $2,090, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $148 - $330.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, OR, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,413 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 Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Portland to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,413 - $3,916 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 88% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 143 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 143-mile route from Portland to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $808 - $3,218 with full-service movers, $737 - $1,173 with a container, $148 - $253 with a rental truck, or $656 - $1,145 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,413 - $3,916 full-service, $881 - $1,616 by container, $165 - $304 by rental truck, or $720 - $1,414 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $1,850 - $4,879 full-service, $1,241 - $2,090 by container, $199 - $330 by rental truck, or $917 - $1,688 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 143-mile move from Portland, Oregon, to Tacoma, Washington, with prices running from $808 - $4,879. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $378 - $2,520 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Portland and Tacoma are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Portland movers tend to run around $278 as a base rate plus $130/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Portland to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $808 - $3,218
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,413 - $3,916
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,850 - $4,879
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 Portland to Tacoma.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Portland 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 packing73% of local movers | $630 - $6,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery | $252 - $1,512/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $378 - $3,024 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,260 - $3,780 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,150 - $12,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $944 - $1,793 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving | $1,260 - $3,150 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery | $1,008 - $4,410 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $378 - $1,890 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $819 - $2,520 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $378 - $18,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $378 - $4,410+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Portland to Tacoma?
Look for Washington Movers Conference membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Washington beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Portland, OR?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Portland to Tacoma with a local mover averages $1,427 - $3,955. A local mover in Portland, OR is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
You Move Me (4.72/5 stars) is a local mover in Portland, based on our analysis of feedback from 2,328 customers, 97.2% of which is positive.
Address: 7620 NE 47th Ave, Vancouver, WA, 98661 | Founded: 2013
Moving container costs from Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Portland, Oregon, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $737 and $2,090. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tacoma. If you go over that window, storage in Portland adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Portland to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $737 - $1,173
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $881 - $1,616
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,241 - $2,090
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Portland, OR, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $882, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $95 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $189 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Portland, OR, and Tacoma, WA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Oregon 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 $737. 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 $881 - $1,616.
What are the best moving containers Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland:
- 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- PDX Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA
Plan on $148 - $330 for a rental moving truck on the 143-mile route from Portland, Oregon, to Tacoma, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $57 - $66
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.19
| 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 Portland to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $148 - $253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $165 - $304
- 4+ bedrooms: $199 - $330
Pro tip: The base rate of $148 - $330 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Portland to Tacoma. Fuel ($57 - $66), lodging at around $189/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $95 and $441.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $189.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $57 and $66 for the 143-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $882 for 2 movers in Portland, Oregon, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland 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 Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA
If you're moving a larger household from Portland, Oregon, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $720 and $1,414.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Portland to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $656 - $1,145
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $720 - $1,414
- 4+ bedrooms: $917 - $1,688
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $95 and $189.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Portland, Oregon, for roughly five hours typically average $882.
What are the best freight companies from Portland 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tacoma fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Portland, OR vs Tacoma, WA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Portland and Tacoma to plan around. Cost of living index: 128 vs. 123. Average rent: $1,530/mo vs. $1,650/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 81 vs. 54. Safety index: 42.63 vs. 44.45.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Portland, OR guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Oregon 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 104 movers in Oregon, so you have real options to compare for this 143-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Portland, OR, to Tacoma, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $808 for a studio to $4,879 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 143-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $737 - $2,090. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $148 - $330, 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 $1,413 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 Portland, OR, to Tacoma, WA
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 do local movers charge in Portland?
Local movers based in Portland typically start around $278 as a base rate, plus $130/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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $148 to $4,879, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $808 and $4,879, 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Portland, OR 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 $165 - $304. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.