($687+) Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA ranges from $1,187 to $8,224, with an average cost of $3,050. Moves can be as low as $687 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,149 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Irvine to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,187 - $8,224 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 72% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,149 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,149-mile route from Irvine to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,187 - $4,797 | $1,240 - $2,271 | $744 - $1,294 | $1,072 - $2,024 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,653 - $5,965 | $1,612 - $3,163 | $742 - $1,619 | $1,265 - $2,580 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,144 - $8,224 | $2,138 - $3,893 | $1,010 - $1,873 | $1,643 - $3,147 |
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 Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA
Full-service movers for the 1,149-mile relocation from Irvine, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,187 and $8,224. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $445 - $2,964, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Irvine typically charge a base rate around $197 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,187 - $4,797
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,653 - $5,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,144 - $8,224
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 Irvine 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 Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Irvine 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 packing77% of local movers | $741 - $7,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $296 - $1,778/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $445 - $3,557 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,482 - $4,446 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,705 - $14,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,110 - $2,109 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,482 - $3,705 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,186 - $5,187 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $445 - $2,223 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $963 - $2,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $445 - $22,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $445 - $5,187+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Irvine 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Irvine, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,240 and $3,893. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Irvine runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,240 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,612 - $3,163
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,138 - $3,893
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 $1,037 in Irvine, CA. 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 $111 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $222 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 California 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 $1,240. 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 $1,612 - $3,163.
What are the best moving containers Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA
Truck rentals from Irvine, California, to Tacoma, Washington, range from $744 - $1,873 for the 1,149-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $542 - $619
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $30
- Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Irvine to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $744 - $1,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $742 - $1,619
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,010 - $1,873
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $744 - $1,873 does not include fuel ($542 - $619), lodging ($222/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Irvine to Tacoma typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $222 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Irvine, California, usually costs about $1,037 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,149-mile drive falls between $542 and $619, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $74 and $445 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine 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 Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Irvine, California, to Tacoma, Washington, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,265 and $2,580.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,072 - $2,024
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,265 - $2,580
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,643 - $3,147
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 $111 and $222.
- 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 Irvine, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,037.
What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Irvine to Tacoma. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Irvine, CA 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 Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Irvine, CA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 123 |
| Average rent | $4,000/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $1,113,305 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $129,647/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 68.99/100 | 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 Irvine, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Washington, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,149-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Irvine, CA, to Tacoma, WA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,187 - $8,224 on the 1,149-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,240 - $3,893 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $744 - $1,873 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,653 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Tacoma, WA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($542 - $619), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $30) on top. Overnight stops can add another $222/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Tacoma?
Tacoma has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 43 and 69 in Irvine. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $687 to $8,224, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,187 and $8,224, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Tacoma, WA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Irvine?
Local movers based in Irvine typically start around $197 as a base rate, plus $75/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 percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.