($692) Cost to Move From Portland, OR to Tacoma, WA

1. PDX Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
2. All Service Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
3. 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. ANC Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. You Move Me: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Portland to Tacoma

When planning a move to Tacoma from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $692 and $2,631. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,316 and $3,791 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,846 to $4,920.

Cost of moving containers from Portland to Tacoma

When you’re heading from Portland to Tacoma, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $522 and $1,132. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $907 and $1,746. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,191 to $1,963. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Tacoma

A moving rental truck from Portland 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 $152 to $242. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $168 to $300, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Tacoma costs around $199 to $339.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 8% more expensive in Tacoma than in Portland. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 9% cheaper in Tacoma than in Portland.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 15% less in Tacoma than in Portland.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Tacoma, with the cost of living for a single person being 61% more than in Portland. 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 19% higher than in Portland.
• Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 6%. 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.
• Tacoma has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
• 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 66% less than Portland.
• Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Portland’s score of 8.
• Tacoma is less walkable than Portland with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Portland’s 81 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 Portland, which has a score of 92.
• Tacoma and Portland have a similar crime rate with scores of 55.55 and 57.37, respectively.
• Tacoma and Portland have a similar safety level, with scores of 44.45 and 42.63.
• Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Portland 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.