Highly rated local moving companies for Columbia to Tacoma moves
Organizing a move from Columbia to Tacoma can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating seven local movers in Columbia known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Columbia to Tacoma.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Tacoma?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,317 – $5,076 | $1,381 – $3,478 | $1,563 – $2,970 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,930 – $7,890 | $2,575 – $5,384 | $1,609 – $3,609 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,900 – $11,759 | $3,554 – $7,204 | $2,204 – $4,606 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Tacoma
When planning a move to Tacoma from Columbia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,317 and $5,076. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,930 and $7,890 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,900 to $11,759.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Tacoma
When you’re heading from Columbia to Tacoma, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,381 and $3,478. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,575 and $5,384. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,554 to $7,204. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Tacoma
A moving rental truck from Columbia 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 $1,563 to $2,970. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,609 to $3,609, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Tacoma costs around $2,204 to $4,606.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Tacoma
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Tacoma may only cost $2,583, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,091.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbia.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,563–$3,802), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about 111% higher for singles and 70% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $7,260 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 14% more expensive in Tacoma than in Columbia. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 116% steeper in Tacoma compared to Columbia.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 13% greater in Tacoma than in Columbia, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Tacoma, with the cost of living for a single person being 111% more than in Columbia. 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 70% higher than in Columbia.
- Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 40%. 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.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma surpass those in Columbia by 29%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbia versus Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Tacoma
| Columbia | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 48 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 64% greater than Columbia.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Tacoma is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 55.55 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 44.45 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbia 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.
Where to live in Tacoma
With your sights set on America’s #1 Wired City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tacoma.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Tacoma?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Tacoma. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Tacoma?
Want to save on your move from Columbia to Tacoma? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Tacoma take?
The 2,841-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Tacoma, , takes seven to 21 days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Tacoma.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbia?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Columbia provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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