Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Los Angeles to Tacoma typically costs $2,900–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,104 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Los Angeles to Tacoma
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA typically costs $2,900–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,104-mile move from Los Angeles 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
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,248 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,367 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,383 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 30, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 19, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 06, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 29, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Los Angeles to Tacoma
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Tacoma may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,900.
- 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 ($800–$2,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Best Los Angeles to Tacoma movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Los Angeles to Tacoma
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Los Angeles to Tacoma. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
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: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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, WA, 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. 4 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, 83 movers in Los Angeles provide piano moving services. 72 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
