Bakersfield, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Tacoma typically costs $2,700–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,000 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Bakersfield to Tacoma
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Tacoma, WA typically costs $2,700–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,000-mile move from Bakersfield 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 $3,852 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,305 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,737 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Bakersfield to Tacoma
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Bakersfield to Tacoma might be as low as $2,400, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,200.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Bakersfield.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $800 to $2,000 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Best Bakersfield to Tacoma movers by type
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Best professional movers from Bakersfield to Tacoma
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Bakersfield to Tacoma, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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 CA→WA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tacoma runs about 66% higher for singles and 5% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Tacoma versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $7,260 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Switching from Bakersfield to Tacoma won't strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 22% higher in Tacoma than in Bakersfield.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Tacoma and Bakersfield, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Tacoma, as the cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 66% greater than in Bakersfield. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Tacoma and Bakersfield, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma exceeds that of Bakersfield by about 24%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma exceed those in Bakersfield by 25%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Bakersfield and Tacoma, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Tacoma.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Bakersfield than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Tacoma
| Bakersfield | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 48 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma's population is about 75% less than Bakersfield.
- Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield's score of 4.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Tacoma is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tacoma and Bakersfield have a similar crime rate with scores of 55.55 and 58.49, respectively.
- Tacoma is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 44.45 vs Bakersfield's 41.51.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Bakersfield it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Washington, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tacoma without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Tacoma
Ready to relocate to America’s #1 Wired City? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you've made the move to Washington, it's the perfect time to explore Tacoma. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Tacoma include museums and art centers like the LeMay - America's Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Tacoma?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Bakersfield to Tacoma. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Tacoma?
With many people choosing to move from Bakersfield to Tacoma in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Tacoma take?
Covering 1,000 miles, the move from Bakersfield, CA to Tacoma, WA typically takes two to eight days. Some Bakersfield movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tacoma can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Bakersfield can handle specialty items for my move to Tacoma?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Bakersfield, 2 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
