($719+) Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA ranges from $1,163 to $8,657, with an average cost of $3,200. Moves can be as low as $719 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,104 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.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Los Angeles to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,163 - $8,657 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,200, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 45% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,104 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 1,104-mile route from Los Angeles to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,163 for a studio up to $8,657 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,195 - $4,143 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $740 - $1,862, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,119 - $3,348, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,104-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Tacoma, Washington, with prices running from $1,163 - $8,657. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $439 - $2,928 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Los Angeles and Tacoma are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Los Angeles movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $5,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,663 - $6,438
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,316 - $8,657
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 Los Angeles to Tacoma.
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 Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles 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 packing78% of local movers | $732 - $7,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Rigo's Moving Company Inc | $293 - $1,757/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $439 - $3,514 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,464 - $4,392 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,660 - $14,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,097 - $2,083 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Rigo's Moving Company Inc | $1,464 - $3,660 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Rigo's Moving Company Inc | $1,171 - $5,124 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $439 - $2,196 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: 5 Star Moving | $952 - $2,928 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $439 - $21,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $439 - $5,124+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA. 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 Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,195 and $4,143. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tacoma. If you go over that window, storage in Los Angeles adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,195 - $2,187
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $3,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,038 - $4,143
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,025, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $110 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $220 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and Tacoma, WA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,195. 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 $1,477 - $3,263.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Move Central Moving & Storage (3.9/5), 14 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA
Plan on $740 - $1,862 for a rental moving truck on the 1,104-mile route from Los Angeles, California, to Tacoma, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $514 - $588
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $740 - $1,341
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $731 - $1,609
- 4+ bedrooms: $928 - $1,862
Pro tip: A rental truck from Los Angeles to Tacoma looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $740 - $1,862. But once you factor in fuel ($514 - $588), overnight lodging ($220/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,025.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $514 - $588 for the 1,104-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $88 and $476, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $220 per night for hotel stops on the 1,104-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $439 - $659.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Los Angeles, 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 $1,293 and $2,560.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,119 - $2,109
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,293 - $2,560
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,714 - $3,348
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Los Angeles, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,025.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $110 - $220 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 123 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 44.45/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Los Angeles, 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 1,126 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,104-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,104-mile route from Los Angeles, CA, to Tacoma, WA, run $1,163 - $8,657 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,195 - $4,143, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $740 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,663, 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 Los Angeles, CA, to Tacoma, WA
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $719 to $8,657, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,163 and $8,657, 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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?
Local movers based in Los Angeles typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.