($594+) San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA ranges from $1,205 to $8,703, with an average cost of $2,800. Moves can be as low as $594 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 777 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 San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from San Francisco to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,205 - $8,703 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 777 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 777-mile route from San Francisco to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,205 for a studio up to $8,703 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,173 - $3,792 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $594 - $1,611, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $956 - $2,857, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA
Hiring full-service movers from San Francisco, California, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $1,205 and $8,703. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 777-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $589 - $3,924, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Francisco and Tacoma. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Francisco tend to start around $284 plus $150/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,205 - $4,402
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,298 - $6,279
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,014 - $8,703
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 San Francisco to Tacoma.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tacoma, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $981 - $9,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $392 - $2,354/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $589 - $4,709 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,962 - $5,886 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,905 - $19,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,470 - $2,792 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,962 - $4,905 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,570 - $6,867 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $589 - $2,943 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage | $1,275 - $3,924 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $589 - $29,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $589 - $6,867+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Tacoma?
All three below meet the standards set by the Washington Movers Conference, the group most Washington movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Francisco, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,173 and $3,792. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,173 - $2,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,494 - $2,711
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,907 - $3,792
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA and Tacoma, WA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,373 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $147 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $294 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,173. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,494 - $2,711, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 47 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 777 miles from San Francisco, California, to Tacoma, Washington, running $594 - $1,611. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $485 - $554
- Daily insurance: $59/day
- Equipment rentals: $14 - $39
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $594 - $1,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $617 - $1,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $787 - $1,611
Pro tip: The base rate of $594 - $1,611 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Francisco to Tacoma. Fuel ($485 - $554) , lodging at around $294/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $294 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,373 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 777-mile drive falls between $485 and $554, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $98 and $589 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, to Tacoma, Washington. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,766 and $2,327.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,851
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,172 - $2,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,572 - $2,857
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,373.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $147 and $294 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Francisco, 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 San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 123 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 44.45/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 San Francisco, 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 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 777-mile route.
Our take
A move from San Francisco, CA, to Tacoma, WA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,205 - $8,703 on the 777-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,173 - $3,792, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $594 - $1,611. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,298 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Tacoma, WA
Is Tacoma a safe place to live?
Tacoma has a safety index of 44.45 out of 100 and a crime index of 55.55, compared to 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, 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 $617 - $1,354. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tacoma?
For families, North End and West End are worth a look in Tacoma. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central, Eastside-Enact, and North End tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Tacoma, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in San Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/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 San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
