($527+) Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA ranges from $1,123 to $8,206, with an average cost of $2,700. Moves can be as low as $527 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 771 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 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 Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Oakland to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,123 - $8,206 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,700, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 771 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 771-mile route from Oakland to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,123 for a studio up to $8,206 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,034 - $3,325 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $527 - $1,498, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $968 - $2,770, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 771-mile move from Oakland, California, to Tacoma, Washington, with prices running from $1,123 - $8,206. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $500 - $3,336 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Oakland and Tacoma are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Oakland movers tend to run around $281 as a base rate plus $147/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,123 - $4,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,168 - $5,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,077 - $8,206
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 Oakland to Tacoma.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Oakland 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 packing76% of local movers | $834 - $8,340 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $334 - $2,002/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $500 - $4,003 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,668 - $5,004 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,170 - $16,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,249 - $2,374 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,668 - $4,170 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,334 - $5,838 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $500 - $2,502 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,084 - $3,336 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $500 - $25,020+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $500 - $5,838+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Tacoma?
Look for Washington Movers Conference membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Washington beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Oakland, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,034 and $3,325. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Oakland typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,034 - $1,898
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,327 - $2,685
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,743 - $3,325
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $125 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $250 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tacoma, WA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,168 in Oakland, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,034. 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 $1,327 - $2,685.
What are the best moving containers Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA
Plan on $527 - $1,498 for a rental moving truck on the 771-mile route from Oakland, California, to Tacoma, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $409 - $468
- Daily insurance: $50/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $527 - $1,040
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $562 - $1,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $733 - $1,498
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Oakland to Tacoma starts at $527 - $1,498, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($409 - $468), overnight lodging ($250/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $409 - $468 for the 771-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Oakland, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,168.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 771-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $250 per night, adding $500 - $751 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $83 and $500.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland 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 Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA
For larger DIY moves from Oakland, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tacoma, Washington.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,105 and $2,000.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $968 - $1,760
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,105 - $2,000
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,380 - $2,770
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $125 - $250 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Oakland, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,168.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Oakland 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: Oakland, 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 Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 123 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 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 Oakland, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Washington in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 771-mile route.
Our take
The 771-mile move from Oakland, CA, to Tacoma, WA, costs between $1,123 and $8,206 with full-service movers, $1,034 - $3,325 with a moving container, and $527 - $1,498 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,168 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Oakland, 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 ($409 - $468), daily insurance ($50/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $33) on top. Overnight stops can add another $250/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $562 - $1,247. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $527 to $8,206, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,123 and $8,206, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Oakland?
Local movers based in Oakland typically start around $281 as a base rate, plus $147/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 Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.