Highly rated local moving companies for Los Angeles to Tacoma moves
Organizing a move from Los Angeles to Tacoma can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 102 local movers in Los Angeles known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Los Angeles to Tacoma.
- Seka Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Excalibur Movers Los Angeles: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 019128
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1383790
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Tacoma?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,220 – $4,555 | $875 – $2,072 | $717 – $1,351 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,657 – $5,811 | $1,506 – $3,193 | $753 – $1,527 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,351 – $8,473 | $2,076 – $4,134 | $984 – $1,898 |
Cost to hire movers from Los Angeles to Tacoma
When planning a move to Tacoma from Los Angeles, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,220 and $4,555. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,657 and $5,811 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,351 to $8,473.
Cost of moving containers from Los Angeles to Tacoma
When you’re heading from Los Angeles to Tacoma, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $875 and $2,072. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,506 and $3,193. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,076 to $4,134. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Tacoma
A moving rental truck from Los Angeles to Tacoma is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $717 to $1,351. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $753 to $1,527, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Los Angeles to Tacoma costs around $984 to $1,898.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Los Angeles to Tacoma
The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Tacoma may only cost $2,376, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,332.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Los Angeles.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($717–$1,755), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Tacoma
Many movers find Tacoma easier on the wallet than Los Angeles – roughly 29% less for singles and 43% less for families.
Monthly basics average $4,133 for one person in Tacoma versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it’s $7,260 compared with $12,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Los Angeles | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 44% less expensive in Tacoma than in Los Angeles, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 80% cheaper in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Tacoma and Los Angeles are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Tacoma. The cost of living for a single person there is 29% below that of Los Angeles.
- A move to Tacoma can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 43% lower compared to Los Angeles.
- Tacoma has a lower unemployment rate than Los Angeles by about 31%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma surpass those in Los Angeles by 8%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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 Los Angeles versus Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Los Angeles than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Los Angeles than in Tacoma.
- Eggs cost more in Los Angeles than in Tacoma.
- Bread is more expensive in Los Angeles than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Los Angeles than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Los Angeles than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Los Angeles than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Tacoma
| Los Angeles | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 48 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 94% less than Los Angeles.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Los Angeles’s score of 8.
- Tacoma is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Los Angeles’s 69 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 Los Angeles, which has a score of 59.
- Tacoma and Los Angeles have a similar crime rate with scores of 55.55 and 53.81, respectively.
- Tacoma and Los Angeles have a similar safety level, with scores of 44.45 and 46.19.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Los Angeles it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Costs across Los Angeles and Tacoma are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- 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 Los Angeles to Tacoma?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Los Angeles to Tacoma. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Tacoma?
Want to save on your move from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to Tacoma take?
The 1,104-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Tacoma, , takes two to eight days. Some Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Los Angeles, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 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 Los Angeles?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 82 movers in Los Angeles provide piano moving services. 71 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
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