Highly rated local moving companies for Tacoma to Los Angeles moves
Organizing a move from Tacoma to Los Angeles can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 63 local movers in Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Los Angeles.
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Ed’s Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2083124
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1941425
Years in Business: 15
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 885643
Years in Business: 62
DOT #: 885643
Alternate Names: Mountain Trucking Co Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 914878
Years in Business: 60
DOT #: 914878
Alternate Names: Eds Moving and Storage, Inc. , Ace Moving and Warehousing
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 1809
Years in Business: 122
DOT #: 586615
Alternate Names: Olympic Moving & Storage , Olympic Moving & Storage II, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma to Los Angeles?
On average, moving companies in Washington charge about $143 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 | $1,282 – $5,189 | $892 – $2,010 | $724 – $1,325 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,967 – $6,551 | $1,506 – $3,009 | $783 – $1,638 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,759 – $8,818 | $2,138 – $4,215 | $946 – $2,014 |
Cost to hire movers from Tacoma to Los Angeles
When planning a move to Los Angeles from Tacoma, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,282 and $5,189. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,967 and $6,551 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,759 to $8,818.
Cost of moving containers from Tacoma to Los Angeles
When you’re heading from Tacoma to Los Angeles, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $892 and $2,010. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,506 and $3,009. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,138 to $4,215. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Los Angeles
A moving rental truck from Tacoma to Los Angeles 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 $724 to $1,325. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $783 to $1,638, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Tacoma to Los Angeles costs around $946 to $2,014.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Tacoma to Los Angeles
The cost of Tacoma movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Tacoma to Los Angeles may only cost $2,652, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,551.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Tacoma.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($724–$1,807), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Tacoma to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Los Angeles runs about 41% higher for singles and 75% higher for families than Tacoma.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Tacoma versus $4,133 in Tacoma; families pay $12,720 compared with $7,260.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tacoma | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,935 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,389 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $477,289 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,133 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,260 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.3% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 79% more expensive in Los Angeles than in Tacoma. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 396% steeper in Los Angeles compared to Tacoma.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Los Angeles and Tacoma are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Los Angeles, with the cost of living for a single person being 41% more than in Tacoma. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Los Angeles, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 75% higher than in Tacoma.
- Los Angeles has a higher unemployment rate than Tacoma by about 45%. 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 are 8% cheaper in Los Angeles compared to Tacoma. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- California has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tacoma versus Los Angeles:
| Living Expense | Tacoma | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.80 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.50 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.84 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.21 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $51.67 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships cost more in Tacoma than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Los Angeles
| Tacoma | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 59 |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 44.45 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles’s population is about 1606% greater than Tacoma.
- Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Tacoma’s score of 6.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Tacoma with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Tacoma’s 54 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles and Tacoma have a similar crime rate with scores of 53.81 and 55.55, respectively.
- Los Angeles and Tacoma have a similar safety level, with scores of 46.19 and 44.45.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Tacoma it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma to Los Angeles move
- HOA rules: Costs across Tacoma and Los Angeles 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, 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 Los Angeles. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Los Angeles
With your sights set on City of Angels, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Los Angeles. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo 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 Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Los Angeles?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tacoma to Los Angeles. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tacoma.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Los Angeles?
Want to save on your move from Tacoma to Los Angeles? 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 Tacoma to Los Angeles take?
The 1,106-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Los Angeles, , takes two to eight days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.
What kinds of discounts do Tacoma movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Tacoma?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 48 movers in Tacoma provide piano moving services. 38 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 73 piano movers and 46 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
Tacoma moving services
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