($1,185) Cost to Move From San Jose, CA to Tacoma, WA

1. Lunardi Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Vector Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Southwest Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Pure Moving Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Jose to Tacoma

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Jose to Tacoma, you can expect to spend between $1,185 and $4,162. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,420 to $5,848 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Jose to Tacoma typically runs between $4,041 and $8,211.

Cost of moving containers from San Jose to Tacoma

When moving from San Jose to Tacoma, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $776 and $1,827. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,437 to $2,722. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,818 up to $3,693. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Jose to Tacoma

Renting a moving truck in San Jose is usually your cheapest option to get to Tacoma. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $528 and $1,069. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $618 and $1,246. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $729 and $1,465.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 47% lower in Tacoma than in San Jose, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 67% lower in Tacoma than in San Jose.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 12% less in Tacoma than in San Jose.
• Plan for higher expenses in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person is 12% more than in San Jose. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• Moving to Tacoma could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 13% less than in San Jose.
• The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 11% higher compared to San Jose, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 10% higher in Tacoma than in San Jose. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• 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.

• Tacoma’s population is about 77% less than San Jose.
• Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than San Jose’s score of 7.
• Tacoma is more walkable than San Jose with a score of 54 out of 100 vs San Jose’s 51 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 Jose, which has a score of 62.
• Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than San Jose with a score of 55.55 compared to San Jose’s 47.73. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
• Tacoma is considered to be less safe than San Jose with a score of 44.45 vs San Jose’s 52.27.
• Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in San Jose it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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 verify a Washington moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Washington doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tacoma smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it’s time to see what Tacoma is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tacoma offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.