Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Tacoma typically costs $1,500–$4,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 143 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Tacoma
Moving from Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA typically costs $1,500–$4,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 143-mile move from Portland to Tacoma, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,400 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,638 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,233 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 06, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 30, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Tacoma
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Tacoma may only cost $900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,400.
- 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 ($200–$400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to Portland, OR guide.
Best Portland to Tacoma movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Portland to Tacoma
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Portland to Tacoma. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best OR→WA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Oregon moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tacoma runs about 61% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Tacoma versus $2,572 in Portland; families pay $7,260 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,825 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 8% more expensive in Tacoma than in Portland. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 9% cheaper in Tacoma than in Portland.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 15% less in Tacoma than in Portland.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tacoma, with the cost of living for a single person being 61% 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 19% higher than in Portland.
- Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 6%. 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.
- Tacoma has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- 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 | $211.77 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $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 are more affordable in Portland than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Portland vs. Tacoma
| Portland | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 48 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma's population is about 66% less than Portland.
- Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Portland's score of 8.
- Tacoma is less walkable than Portland with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 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 92.
- Tacoma and Portland have a similar crime rate with scores of 55.55 and 57.37, respectively.
- Tacoma and Portland have a similar safety level, with scores of 44.45 and 42.63.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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 143-mile move from Portland, OR, to Tacoma, WA, takes one to two 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.
What kinds of discounts do Portland movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 16 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 10 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 28 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
