($1,261) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Tacoma, WA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Tacoma

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Tacoma, you can expect to spend between $1,261 and $4,927. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,298 to $7,335 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Tacoma typically runs between $6,062 and $10,848.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Tacoma

When moving from Chicago to Tacoma, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,205 and $2,810. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,998 to $4,204. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,881 up to $5,620. 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 Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Tacoma

Renting a moving truck in Chicago 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 $1,181 and $2,187. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,317 and $2,602. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,645 and $3,420.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 19% lower in Tacoma than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 61% higher in Tacoma than in Chicago.
• The average income in Tacoma and Chicago is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Plan for higher expenses in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person is 13% more than in Chicago. 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 22% less than in Chicago.
• Tacoma experiences an unemployment rate that is about 19% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in Tacoma and Chicago (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• 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 92% less than Chicago.
• Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Tacoma is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 55.55 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Tacoma is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 44.45 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• 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.