($1,240) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Tacoma, WA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Tacoma

When planning a move to Tacoma from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,240 and $4,787. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,333 and $7,396 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,741 to $10,538.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Tacoma

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Tacoma, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,118 and $2,497. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,956 and $3,805. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,464 to $5,317. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Tacoma

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Tacoma is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,041 to $2,062. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,128 to $2,267, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Tacoma costs around $1,394 to $2,803.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• 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.

• 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.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Tacoma are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• 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.

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.