($1,359+) Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,359 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,720 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,552, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,720 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,889 - $6,333, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,359 - $3,961.
- 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 $3,993 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to Tacoma: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,993 - $7,585. Moving containers run about 40% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 61% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,543-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,552 - $6,087 with full-service movers, $1,889 - $3,452 with a container, $1,359 - $2,603 with a rental truck, or $1,653 - $3,014 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,993 - $7,585 full-service, $2,379 - $5,045 by container, $1,562 - $3,131 by rental truck, or $1,829 - $4,036 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,074 - $12,720 full-service, $3,051 - $6,333 by container, $1,840 - $3,961 by rental truck, or $2,467 - $5,172 by freight.
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 Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,543-mile move from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tacoma, Washington, with prices running from $2,552 - $12,720. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $304 - $2,028 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Birmingham and Tacoma are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Birmingham movers tend to run around $310 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,552 - $6,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,993 - $7,585
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,074 - $12,720
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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Birmingham 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 packing68% of local movers | $507 - $5,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% 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 coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% 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 items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $1,014 - $2,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New Latitude Movers | $811 - $3,549 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $304 - $1,521 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Secure Moving, Inc | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Washington Movers Conference, the group most Washington movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Birmingham, AL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,889 and $6,333. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Birmingham costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,889 - $3,452
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,379 - $5,045
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,051 - $6,333
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $76 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $152 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tacoma, WA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $710 in Birmingham, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,889. 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 $2,379 - $5,045.
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:
- New Latitude Movers (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,543 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tacoma, Washington, running $1,359 - $3,961. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $1,359 - $2,603
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,562 - $3,131
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,840 - $3,961
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Birmingham to Tacoma starts at $1,359 - $3,961, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($820 - $938), overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $710.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $820 - $938 for the 2,543-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $330, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $152 per night for hotel stops on the 2,543-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $304 - $456.
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
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tacoma, Washington. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $913 and $4,036.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,653 - $3,014
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,829 - $4,036
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,467 - $5,172
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $710.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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: 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 142 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 $2,552 for a studio to $12,720 for a 4+ 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 $1,889 - $6,333. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,359 - $3,961, 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 $3,993 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 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 $1,562 - $3,131. 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 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Birmingham, AL to Tacoma, WA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.