($1,784+) Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,697 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,698 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,061 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 $2,780, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,698 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,229 - $8,288, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,697 - $4,963.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Providence, RI, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,277 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Providence to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,277 - $8,419 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 3,061-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,061-mile route from Providence to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,780 for a studio up to $13,698 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $2,229 - $8,288 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,697 - $4,963, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $2,006 - $6,189, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
Hiring full-service movers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $2,780 and $13,698. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 3,061-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $344 - $2,292, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Providence and Tacoma. For a rough baseline, movers based in Providence tend to start around $348 plus $90/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,780 - $6,514
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,277 - $8,419
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,811 - $13,698
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 Providence to Tacoma.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Rhode Island to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Providence 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 packing97% of local movers | $573 - $5,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $229 - $1,375/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $344 - $2,750 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage57% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,146 - $3,438 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,865 - $11,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $858 - $1,631 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items58% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,146 - $2,865 |
| Piano | Any piano type84% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $917 - $4,011 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $344 - $1,719 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Marathon Moving Co. | $745 - $2,292 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $344 - $17,190+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $344 - $4,011+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Providence to Tacoma?
All three below meet the standards set by the Washington Movers Conference, the group most Washington movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Providence, RI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $2,229 and $8,288. 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 Providence typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,229 - $4,225
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,782 - $6,005
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,730 - $8,288
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $802 in Providence, RI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $86 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $172 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tacoma, WA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Rhode Island 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 $2,229. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,782 - $6,005, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence:
- Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- Marathon Moving Co. (4.7/5), 26 years in business
- Economy Movers & Storage Inc (4.6/5), 50 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
A rental truck for this 3,061-mile move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $1,697 and $4,963. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,116 - $1,276
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Providence daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Providence to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,697 - $3,260
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,838 - $4,161
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,395 - $4,963
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Providence to Tacoma starts at $1,697 - $4,963, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,116 - $1,276) , overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $172 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $74 and $372 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,116 - $1,276 in fuel for the 3,061-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $802 in Providence, Rhode Island, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Providence 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 Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Providence, Rhode Island, to Tacoma, Washington, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,292 and $4,480.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,006 - $3,580
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,292 - $4,480
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,075 - $6,189
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $86 - $172 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Providence, Rhode Island, typically costs $802.
What are the best freight companies from Providence to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Blue Sun Super Service (4.76/5 stars): Blue Sun Super Service is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Providence, RI vs Tacoma, WA
Good news for your budget: Tacoma isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Providence. Cost of living index runs 123 there against 109 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 76/100 and 50.16/100 here versus 54/100 and 44.45/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Rhode Island to Washington, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 11 movers in Rhode Island, so you have real options to compare for this 3,061-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Providence, RI, to Tacoma, WA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,780 - $13,698 on the 3,061-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,229 - $8,288 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,697 - $4,963 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,277 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Providence, RI, to Tacoma, WA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Providence, RI 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.
What do local movers charge in Providence?
Local movers based in Providence typically start around $348 as a base rate, plus $90/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.
How long does a move from Providence, RI 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 are the best neighborhoods in Tacoma?
For families, North End and West End are worth a look in Tacoma. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central, Eastside-Enact, and North End tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,838 - $4,161. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Providence movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 84% of movers in Providence handle piano moves, and 58% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.