($913+) Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $868 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,884 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,438 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,284, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,884 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,454 - $4,716, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $868 - $2,518.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,912 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Phoenix to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,912 - $7,287 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,438-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,438-mile route from Phoenix to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,284 - $5,019 | $1,454 - $2,692 | $868 - $1,820 | $1,244 - $2,352 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,912 - $7,287 | $1,748 - $3,539 | $939 - $1,978 | $1,414 - $2,831 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,434 - $9,884 | $2,599 - $4,716 | $1,208 - $2,518 | $1,940 - $3,773 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA
Hiring full-service movers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $2,284 and $9,884. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,438-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $351 - $2,340, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Phoenix and Tacoma. For a rough baseline, movers based in Phoenix tend to start around $140 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,284 - $5,019
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,912 - $7,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,434 - $9,884
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 Phoenix to Tacoma.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tacoma, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Phoenix, AZ. 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 Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,454 and $4,716. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Phoenix typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,454 - $2,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,748 - $3,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,599 - $4,716
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $819 in Phoenix, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $88 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $176 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tacoma, WA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $1,454. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,748 - $3,539, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA
Plan on $868 - $2,518 for a rental moving truck on the 1,438-mile route from Phoenix, Arizona, to Tacoma, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $535 - $612
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Phoenix to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,820
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $939 - $1,978
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,518
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $868 - $2,518 does not include fuel ($535 - $612) , lodging ($176/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Phoenix to Tacoma typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $535 - $612 for the 1,438-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $819.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,438-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $176 per night, adding $351 - $527 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $351.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA
For larger DIY moves from Phoenix, Arizona, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tacoma, Washington.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,414 and $2,831.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $2,352
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,414 - $2,831
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,940 - $3,773
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $88 and $176.
- 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 Phoenix, Arizona, for roughly five hours typically average $819.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix 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.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tacoma quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Tacoma, WA
Good news for your budget: Tacoma isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Phoenix. Cost of living index runs 123 there against 113 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 41/100 and 46.94/100 here versus 54/100 and 44.45/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona 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. Arizona alone has 97 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,438-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,438-mile route from Phoenix, AZ, to Tacoma, WA, run $2,284 - $9,884 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,454 - $4,716, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $868 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,912, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Tacoma, WA
What do local movers charge in Phoenix?
Local movers based in Phoenix typically start around $140 as a base rate, plus $85/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.
How long does a move from Phoenix, AZ to Tacoma, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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 Phoenix, AZ 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 $939 - $1,978. 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 46.94 and 53.06 in Phoenix. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.