Quick answer: A typical 1,226-mile move from San Diego to Tacoma runs $936–$7,406 and takes two to eight days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Tacoma to San Diego guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
For a move from San Diego to Tacoma, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 24 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.
We reviewed every San Diego company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in San Diego made our final list.
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental truck
|
Labor only
|
Best professional movers from San Diego to Tacoma
For an interstate move from San Diego to Tacoma, choosing a full-service mover means you won’t have to manage the packing, loading, or transport yourself. These companies handle the details so you can concentrate on your schedule and plans for settling in.
Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for full-service movers equipped to get you from San Diego to Tacoma efficiently and with minimal stress.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What moving services are available in San Diego?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to WA move
Local movers servicing San Diego to Tacoma moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in San Diego that also provides long-distance services to Tacoma can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in San Diego who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from San Diego to Tacoma.
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
State license #: 0154190
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 2059504
Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- 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 #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Tacoma?
San Diego movers charge $200 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,355 - $5,552 | $1,047 - $2,463 | $848 - $1,636 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,077 - $7,406 | $1,819 - $3,582 | $936 - $2,044 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,140 - $9,470 | $2,365 - $5,041 | $1,189 - $2,300 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Washington
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Washington, you can expect to spend between $1,355 and $5,552. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,077 to $7,406 on the same route (CA to WA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Washington typically runs between $5,140 and $9,470.
Cost of moving containers from California to Washington
If you're moving from California to Washington, expect to pay between $1,047 and $2,463 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,819 up to $3,582. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,365 and $5,041. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Washington
A moving rental truck 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 $848 to $1,636. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $936 to $2,044, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Washington costs around $1,189 to $2,300.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Tacoma
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 Tacoma versus $3,346 in San Diego; families pay $7,260 compared with $7,719.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 43% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Tacoma.
Home prices in Tacoma are 52.4% lower than in San Diego. - Income is the same in Tacoma and San Diego.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 23.5% higher than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Tacoma can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 5.9% less than what it costs in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 10.61% higher than in San Diego.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Tacoma, since its sales taxes are 32.90% higher than what you are paying in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Diego.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Diego and Tacoma:
San Diego | Tacoma | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $277.55 | $229.8 |
Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $71.5 |
Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.84 |
Loaf of bread | $4.5 | $4.21 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21 | $16.5 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100 | $72.5 |
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
Tacoma | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Population | 223,968 | 1,386,932 |
Transportation Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 54 | 53 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 43 |
Crime Index | 55.55 | 39.83 |
Safety Index | 44.45 | 60.17 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Tacoma's population is about 84% less than San Diego.
- Tacoma's public transportation has a similar score to San Diego.
- Tacoma and San Diego are similarily 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 they are 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 vs. Tacoma move
- Weather: Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tacoma. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
Now that you've made the move to Washington it's the perfect time to explore Tacoma From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Tacoma features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the LeMay - America's Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, Washington State History Museum, and Tacoma Art 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer) and 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?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Diego 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 San Diego to Tacoma take?
Covering 1,226 miles, the move from San Diego, CA to Tacoma, WA typically takes two to eight days. Some San Diego movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tacoma can help bridge the gap.
Which movers in San Diego give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
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 288 piano movers and 222 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2175 and 1400.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.