($1,703+) Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $1,703 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,204 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,653, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,204 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,067 - $7,384, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,703 - $4,456.
- 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 $3,803 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,803 - $7,715 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 34% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 53% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 3,061 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,653 - $6,096 with full-service movers, $2,067 - $3,915 with a container, $1,703 - $3,080 with a rental truck, or $1,732 - $3,488 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,803 - $7,715 full-service, $2,524 - $5,236 by container, $1,772 - $3,934 by rental truck, or $2,187 - $4,629 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,456 - $12,204 full-service, $3,451 - $7,384 by container, $2,264 - $4,456 by rental truck, or $3,052 - $6,209 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
For the 3,061-mile move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Tacoma, Washington, full-service movers cost between $2,653 and $12,204. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $344 - $2,292 (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 Providence generally start around $348 plus $90 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,653 - $6,096
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,803 - $7,715
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,456 - $12,204
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.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 79% of Providence movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tacoma, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $573 - $5,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $229 - $1,375/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $344 - $2,750 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% 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 items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,146 - $2,865 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $917 - $4,011 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $344 - $1,719 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: G Metz Moving & Storage | $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?
Washington Movers Conference membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Washington, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Providence, RI, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $2,067 and $7,384. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Providence runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,067 - $3,915
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,524 - $5,236
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,451 - $7,384
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 $2,067. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,524 - $5,236.
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:
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- Esquire Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 12 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 $1,703 and $4,456. 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: $1,703 - $3,080
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,772 - $3,934
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,264 - $4,456
Pro tip: A rental truck from Providence to Tacoma looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,703 - $4,456. But once you factor in fuel ($1,116 - $1,276), overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,116 - $1,276 for the 3,061-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 Providence, Rhode Island, for about 5 hours typically costs around $802.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 3,061-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $172 per night, adding $344 - $516 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $57 and $344.
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 a solid option for larger DIY moves from Providence, Rhode Island, 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 $1,031 and $4,629.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,732 - $3,488
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,187 - $4,629
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,052 - $6,209
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Providence, Rhode Island, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $802.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $86 - $172 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Providence to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tacoma quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Providence, RI vs Tacoma, WA
Providence and Tacoma land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 109 in Providence and 123 in Tacoma, and average rent is $2,200/mo vs. $1,650/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 76 vs 54 and safety scores are 50.16 vs 44.45.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Rhode Island to Washington in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 27 movers based in Rhode Island, handy for sizing up options on this 3,061-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Providence, RI, to Tacoma, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,653 for a studio to $12,204 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 3,061-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,067 - $7,384. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,703 - $4,456, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,803 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,116 - $1,276), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $172/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Tacoma?
Tacoma has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 76 and 61 in Providence. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,703 to $12,204, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,653 and $12,204, 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.
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.
What percentage of Providence movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Providence handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.