Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→WA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Tacoma

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Tacoma runs about 119% higher for singles and 66% higher for families than Des Moines.

Singles spend around $4,133 in Tacoma versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $7,260 compared with $4,380.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Des Moines	Tacoma
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$1,935
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$3,389
Average home value	$192,347	$477,289
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$73,341
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$4,133
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$7,260
Unemployment rate	5.9%	7.3%
Sales tax	7.0%	10.3%
State income tax	4.4%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 43% more expensive in Tacoma than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 148% steeper in Tacoma compared to Des Moines.
Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 25% greater in Tacoma than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
Prepare for elevated costs in Tacoma, with the cost of living for a single person being 119% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
When considering a family move to Tacoma, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 66% higher than in Des Moines.
Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 24%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Sales taxes in Tacoma surpass those in Des Moines by 47%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
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 the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Tacoma:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Tacoma
Basic utilities	$144.82	$229.80
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$71.50
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$4.84
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$4.21
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$16.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$72.50
Gym membership	$66.67	$51.67

Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Tacoma.
Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Tacoma.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Tacoma

	Des Moines	Tacoma
Population	699,292	223,968
Transportation score	5	6
Walkability score	45	54
Bike friendliness score	39	48
Crime index	5.0	55.55
Safety index	57.8	44.45
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Tacoma's population is about 68% less than Des Moines.
Tacoma's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
Tacoma is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
With a score of 48 out of 100, Tacoma is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Tacoma's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 55.55 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 44.45 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Tacoma move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Washington, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Washington, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tacoma. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Washington complete, you can dive right into experiencing Tacoma. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Tacoma is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Tacoma?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Tacoma. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Tacoma?

Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Tacoma? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Tacoma take?

The 1,769-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Tacoma, WA, takes five to 16 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tacoma.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.