($1,610+) Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,657 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,660 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,863 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,584, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,660 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,059 - $6,973, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,657 - $4,564.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,709 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham to Tacoma: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,709 - $7,448. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,863-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,863-mile route from Durham to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,584 - $5,999 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($2,059 - $3,631), rental truck ($1,657 - $3,062), or freight trailer ($1,730 - $3,233). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,709 - $7,448 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,660.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA
For the 2,863-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Tacoma, Washington, full-service movers cost between $2,584 and $11,660. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $326 - $2,172 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Durham generally start around $240 plus $122 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,584 - $5,999
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,709 - $7,448
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,411 - $11,660
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Durham to Tacoma.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tacoma, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $543 - $5,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $217 - $1,303/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,606 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,086 - $3,258 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,715 - $10,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $813 - $1,545 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $1,086 - $2,715 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $869 - $3,801 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $326 - $1,629 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $706 - $2,172 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,801+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Tacoma?
Movers licensed to operate in Washington are typically members of the Washington Movers Conference, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Durham, NC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $2,059 and $6,973. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Durham typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Durham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,059 - $3,631
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,518 - $5,055
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,512 - $6,973
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Durham, NC and Tacoma, WA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $760 in Durham, NC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $81 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $163 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Washington move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $2,059. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,518 - $5,055, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Durham to Tacoma?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Durham to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Durham:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
- Truckin' Movers Corporation (4.9/5), 49 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,863 miles from Durham, North Carolina, to Tacoma, Washington, running $1,657 - $4,564. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $989 - $1,131
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Durham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Durham to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,657 - $3,062
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,828
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,564
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,657 - $4,564 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Durham to Tacoma. Fuel ($989 - $1,131) , lodging at around $163/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $989 - $1,131 for the 2,863-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Durham, North Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $760.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,863-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $163 per night, adding $326 - $489 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $326.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Tacoma?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Durham, North Carolina, to Tacoma, Washington. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $977 and $4,172.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,730 - $3,233
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,934 - $4,172
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,669 - $5,985
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $81 - $163 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Durham, North Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $760.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tacoma fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Durham, NC vs Tacoma, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Tacoma, side by side with Durham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Durham, NC | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 99 | 123 |
| Average rent | $1,699/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Median home value | $355,053 | $454,577 |
| Average income | $79,234/yr | $83,857/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 7.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.5% | None |
| Walkability score | 30/100 | 54/100 |
| Safety index | 45.28/100 | 44.45/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Durham, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Washington, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. North Carolina alone has 117 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,863-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Durham, NC, to Tacoma, WA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,584 - $11,660 on the 2,863-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,059 - $6,973, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,657 - $4,564. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,709 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Tacoma, WA
How long does a move from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Durham?
Local movers based in Durham typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $122/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tacoma run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Durham, NC to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,584 to $11,660, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,584 and $11,660, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Tacoma?
Tacoma has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 30 and 38 in Durham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.