Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Tacoma typically costs $2,900–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,137 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Tacoma
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA typically costs $2,900–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,137-mile move from Santa Ana to Tacoma, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- PODS recently quoted $1,719 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,339 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,865 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Ana to Tacoma
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Ana, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($900–$2,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Tacoma, WA to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Tacoma movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Tacoma
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Santa Ana to Tacoma, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Tacoma
Many movers find Tacoma easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 35% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $4,133 for one person in Tacoma versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $7,260 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Tacoma from Santa Ana, you'll find that rent is roughly 38% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 43% less in Tacoma than in Santa Ana.
- Fortunately, the average income in Tacoma and Santa Ana is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tacoma. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 35% lower than in Santa Ana.
- Choosing to move to Tacoma can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 35% less than in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rates of Tacoma and Santa Ana are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes rise by 11% in Tacoma over Santa Ana, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- 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 a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Santa Ana and Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Santa Ana than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Tacoma.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Tacoma.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Tacoma
| Santa Ana | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 48 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Tacoma's population is about 28% less than Santa Ana.
- Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Tacoma is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 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 Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Tacoma and Santa Ana have a similar crime rate with scores of 55.55 and 54.17, respectively.
- Tacoma and Santa Ana have a similar safety level, with scores of 44.45 and 45.83.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tacoma. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tacoma
Now that you've decided to make the move to America’s #1 Wired City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Washington, it's time to get out and discover what Tacoma has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tacoma, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Tacoma?
The best time to move from Santa Ana to Tacoma is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Tacoma?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to Tacoma take?
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Tacoma, WA covers 1,137 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Santa Ana movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tacoma.
Which movers in Santa Ana give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 3 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Santa Ana?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 74 movers in Santa Ana advertise piano moving expertise. 61 movers in Santa Ana provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
