San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Tacoma typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 777 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Tacoma
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 777-mile move from San Francisco 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
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,337 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,190 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,271 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Francisco to Tacoma
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from San Francisco to Tacoma might be as low as $2,000, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,000.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Francisco.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $600 to $1,700 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Tacoma movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Tacoma
When it comes to handling your interstate move from San Francisco to Tacoma, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tacoma runs about 9% higher for singles and -17% higher for families than San Francisco.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Tacoma versus $3,781 in San Francisco; families pay $7,260 compared with $8,717.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Francisco | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Tacoma from San Francisco, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 49% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 62% cheaper in Tacoma, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 46% lower in Tacoma than in San Francisco.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Tacoma, as the cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 9% greater than in San Francisco. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Tacoma could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 17% lower than in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma exceeds that of San Francisco by about 35%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma exceed those in San Francisco by 19%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between San Francisco and Tacoma, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in San Francisco than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Francisco than in Tacoma.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Tacoma.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Tacoma.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Tacoma
| San Francisco | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 48 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma's population is about 72% less than San Francisco.
- Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Tacoma is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 54 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Tacoma's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 55.55 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Tacoma is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 44.45 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Washington, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tacoma without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Tacoma
Ready to relocate to America’s #1 Wired City? Here are some of the top 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: Cultural attractions in Tacoma include museums and art centers like the LeMay - America's Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Tacoma?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Francisco to Tacoma. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Tacoma?
With many people choosing to move from San Francisco to Tacoma in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Tacoma take?
Covering 777 miles, the move from San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA typically takes two to seven days. Some San Francisco movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Tacoma can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Francisco offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in San Francisco offer AAA member savings.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in San Francisco can handle specialty items for my move to Tacoma?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Francisco, 70 movers can handle pianos. 63 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
