Highly rated local moving companies for San Diego to Tacoma moves
Organizing a move from San Diego 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 29 local movers in San Diego 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 San Diego to Tacoma.
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery , The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 191165
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2718191
Alternate Names: Velorom LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Diego 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 | $1,241 – $4,897 | $853 – $2,175 | $752 – $1,449 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,639 – $6,249 | $1,512 – $3,067 | $846 – $1,773 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,709 – $8,875 | $2,069 – $4,189 | $1,042 – $2,058 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Tacoma
When planning a move to Tacoma from San Diego, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,241 and $4,897. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,639 and $6,249 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,709 to $8,875.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Tacoma
When you’re heading from San Diego to Tacoma, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $853 and $2,175. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,512 and $3,067. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,069 to $4,189. 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 San Diego to Tacoma
A moving rental truck from San Diego 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 $752 to $1,449. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $846 to $1,773, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Diego to Tacoma costs around $1,042 to $2,058.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from San Diego to Tacoma
The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Diego to Tacoma may only cost $2,269, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,635.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Diego.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($752–$1,826), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about 24% higher for singles and -6% higher for families than San Diego.
Singles spend around $4,133 in San Diego versus $3,346 in San Diego; families pay $7,260 compared with $7,719.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Diego | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 43% less expensive in Tacoma than in San Diego, 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 52% cheaper in Tacoma than in San Diego.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Tacoma and San Diego are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tacoma, with the cost of living for a single person being 24% more than in San Diego. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- 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 6% lower compared to San Diego.
- Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than San Diego by about 11%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma surpass those in San Diego by 33%. 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 San Diego versus Tacoma:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Tacoma.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Diego than in Tacoma.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Tacoma.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Tacoma.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Tacoma
| San Diego | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 48 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 84% less than San Diego.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score is within about 5% of San Diego, making them very similar.
- Tacoma and San Diego are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Tacoma is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 55.55 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 44.45 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Costs across San Diego 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 San Diego to Tacoma?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Diego to Tacoma. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Tacoma?
Want to save on your move from San Diego 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 San Diego to Tacoma take?
The 1,224-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Tacoma, , takes two to eight days. Some San Diego 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 San Diego movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Diego, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Diego?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 21 movers in San Diego provide piano moving services. 16 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.
Helpful moving resources
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