($738+) Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA Movers

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Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $783 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,225 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,106 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,618, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,225 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,214 - $4,297, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $783 - $1,971.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,176 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA

Moving options from Tacoma to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,176 - $7,385 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 1,106-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,106-mile route from Tacoma to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,618 - $5,779 $1,214 - $2,455 $783 - $1,461 $1,081 - $2,062
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,176 - $7,385 $1,629 - $3,255 $838 - $1,652 $1,315 - $2,630
4+ bedrooms $5,201 - $10,225 $2,135 - $4,297 $1,033 - $1,971 $1,796 - $3,438

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA

For the 1,106-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Los Angeles, California, full-service movers cost between $2,618 and $10,225. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $416 - $2,772 (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 Tacoma generally start around $316 plus $133 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Los Angeles:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,618 - $5,779
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,176 - $7,385
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,201 - $10,225

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 Tacoma to Los Angeles.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Los Angeles, 88% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing97% of local movers$693 - $6,930
Storage in transitNew place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage$277 - $1,663/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$416 - $3,326
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs35% of local movers$1,386 - $4,158
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,465 - $13,860
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,038 - $1,972
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage$1,386 - $3,465
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage$1,109 - $4,851
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers$416 - $2,079
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage$901 - $2,772
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$416 - $20,790+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$416 - $4,851+

What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Los Angeles?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Tacoma, WA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA

Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,214 and $4,297. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tacoma costs roughly $110/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Los Angeles:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,214 - $2,455
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,629 - $3,255
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,135 - $4,297

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 $970 in Tacoma, WA. 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 $104 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $208 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 Los Angeles, CA, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to California 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 $1,214. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,629 - $3,255, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Los Angeles?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:

  • All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
  • Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
  • A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 1,106-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $783 and $1,971, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $488 - $557
  • Daily insurance: $42/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
  • Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tacoma to Los Angeles based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $783 - $1,461
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $838 - $1,652
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,033 - $1,971

Pro tip: The base rate of $783 - $1,971 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tacoma to Los Angeles. Fuel ($488 - $557) , lodging at around $208/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $970.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $488 - $557 for the 1,106-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $83 and $450, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $208 per night for hotel stops on the 1,106-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $416 - $624.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Los Angeles?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, to Los Angeles, California. 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 $1,247 and $2,630.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Los Angeles:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,081 - $2,062
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,315 - $2,630
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,796 - $3,438

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tacoma, Washington, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $970.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $104 - $208 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 Tacoma to Los Angeles?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport 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: If speed matters on your move from Tacoma to Los Angeles, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Los Angeles, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Tacoma, WA Los Angeles, CA
Cost of living index123162
Average rent$1,650/mo$2,960/mo
Median home value$454,577$878,142
Average income$83,857/yr$80,366/yr
Unemployment rate7.3%10.6%
State income taxNoneUp to 13.3%
Walkability score54/10069/100
Safety index44.45/10046.19/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 95 movers licensed in Washington, useful context for sizing up this 1,106-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Tacoma, WA, to Los Angeles, CA, 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 $2,618 - $10,225 on the 1,106-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,214 - $4,297 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $783 - $1,971 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,176 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 County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.

FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Los Angeles, CA

What is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?

Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, compared to 44.45 and 55.55 in Tacoma. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, WA to Los Angeles, CA?

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 $838 - $1,652. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?

For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.

What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.