Modesto, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Tacoma typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 797 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Tacoma
Moving from Modesto, CA to Tacoma, WA typically costs $2,600–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 797-mile move from Modesto 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
- United Van Lines recently quoted $6,693 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,956 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,676 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 25, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Tacoma
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,600.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($600–$1,700) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Tacoma movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Tacoma
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Modesto to Tacoma, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tacoma runs about 79% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Tacoma versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $7,260 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Tacoma from Modesto, you'll find that rent is roughly 8% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 8% greater in Tacoma than in Modesto.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 9% higher in Tacoma than in Modesto, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 79% higher than in Modesto. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Tacoma, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 22% greater than in Modesto.
- Tacoma enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 9% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 16% in Tacoma over Modesto, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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 a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Tacoma
| Modesto | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 48 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma's population is within about 5% of Modesto, so they’re very similar in size.
- Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- Both Tacoma and Modesto have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 48), meaning Tacoma is about as safe for cyclists as Modesto. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Tacoma's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 55.55 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Tacoma is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 44.45 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tacoma. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tacoma
Now that you've decided to make the move to America’s #1 Wired City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Washington, it's time to get out and discover what Tacoma has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tacoma, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Tacoma?
The best time to move from Modesto to Tacoma is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Tacoma?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Tacoma, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Tacoma take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Tacoma, WA covers 797 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tacoma.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
