Best overall value
Local moving companies in Tacoma
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Atlantic Relocation Systems: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- PNW Moving and Delivery: 4.58 out of 5 stars
All Ready Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2083124
Years in Business: 21
1690 Marine View Dr., Suite D, Tacoma, WA 98422 USAll Ready Moving & Storage customers rave about the moversโ professionalism, efficient service, careful handling, and positive attitudes. Across 95 reviews, 91.6% provided positive input, citing staff as friendly, polite, and highly helpful. Quick moves and support through stressful transitions stand out, with many noting items were well cared for and the teams stayed communicative throughout. Most feedback highlights a seamless experience rare among moving companies. A few clients voiced concerns regarding unexpectedly high costs, disorganized or careless packing, and occasionally unprofessional conduct, especially on more complex relocations. Only a small fraction experienced billing issues or unsatisfactory handling. Compared to other movers, All Ready delivers more consistent service with exceptional staff dedication, but clarity on pricing and consistent quality remains an area for competitors to match.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2083124
Mountain Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 885643
Years in Business: 62
9413 47th Ave SW Bldg 14 Suite E, Lakewood, WA 98499 USMoving with Mountain Moving & Storage feels like working with pros who get the job done efficiently, with lots of respectful and skilled movers. Feedback from 179 customers shows that 84% found the process quick and their possessions handled carefully by helpful crews. Customers trusted the teams for professionalism, fast service, and attention to detailโfactors rarely matched by other moving companies. On the downside, a few experienced issues with item damage or felt the company lacked proper communication, especially when resolving problems. A small number pointed to unprofessional behavior and found claims tough to resolve. Most noted the staff was courteous and efficient, with only a handful encountering serious problems. Overall, Mountainโs track record puts them ahead of many regional movers, but they could further stand out by sharpening their communication and quality controls.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 885643
- State license #: 885643
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Mountain Trucking Co Inc
Local Associations
Coleman Worldwide Moving
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 2897746
Years in Business: 110
8605 34th Ave S, Lakewood, WA 98499 USMovers that stand out for professionalism are hard to find, but Coleman Worldwide Moving regularly receives high marks for courteous, communicative crews and careful handling of property. Feedback highlights their efficient service, reliable scheduling, and strong attention to customer needs, especially on long-distance moves. Customers praise the consistent professionalism of both front-line crew and coordinators, with many noting prompt communication and fast delivery times. Care in packing and respect for belongings set them apart from competing movers. A smaller number of experiences involve significant setbacks, such as property damage, delayed deliveries, or lost items, often paired with poor communication when problems arise. Delays and damage issues appear more often than unexpected costs or complaint handling problems, though both do appear in the feedback. Out of 119 reviews, more than 75% were positive, demonstrating higher customer satisfaction than is typical for major interstate movers. While most customers feel their property is treated with respect and their questions answered, unresolved damage claims and missed deadlines can create serious frustration. For those seeking professional, careful movers with a record of responsive service, Coleman is a stronger choice than many regional competitors, but there are documented lapses during complex or long-distance moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2897746
Local Associations
Atlantic Relocation Systems
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 2730619
Years in Business: 100
2121 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 USCustomers consistently praise Atlantic Relocation Systems for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, careful handling of belongings, good communication, and swift moving process. Over three-quarters of feedback is positive, out of 139 reviews analyzed. Movers often receive high marks for friendliness, organization, and attention to detail, setting the company apart from many competitors. Customers appreciate how teams listen, adapt to needs, and provide strong follow-through, making relocation significantly less stressful. Negative input highlights damage to items, rude staff interactions, and delays with delivery or arrival. Issues include careless packing, property mishandling, and unsatisfactory resolution of claims, though such complaints appear less frequently than positive remarks. The overall impression is that Atlantic Relocation performs above industry standards in moving professionalism and customer care but shows room for better consistency in item protection and customer response during less-than-ideal situations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2730619
- State license #: 2385545
Alternative Business Names
- Effort Enterprises of Tacoma Inc
PNW Moving and Delivery
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 2919585
Years in Business: 9
2112 109th St S Suite 203, Tacoma, WA 98444 USCustomers consistently describe PNW Moving and Delivery as quick, efficient, and professional. Most feedback praises the hardworking staff, prompt service, careful handling, and accurate or affordable pricing. Many mention peace of mind, responsive communication, and attention to detail, noting that belongings arrived on time and undamaged. A few highlight flexibility with scheduling and moves under the estimated time, which sets PNW apart from many competitors. Although a small number of customers report damages or negative incidents such as unprofessional behavior, property damage, or delayed arrival, these complaints represent under 10 percent of total input. The majority of movers receive high marks for reliability, teamwork, skill, and customer care, making PNW one of the strongest choices in their field based on customer feedback from 241 reviews.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2919585
- State license #: 2919585
Alternative Business Names
- PNW Delivery LLC
- PNW Moving and Storage LLC
- PNW Moving LLC
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tacoma to San Diego move
What to know before moving from Tacoma to San Diego
Moving from Tacoma to San Diego means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tacoma than in San Diego, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Tacoma compares to San Diego so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tacoma | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $2,881 |
| Average home value | $477,289 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,133 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,260 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.3% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 75% higher than in Tacoma, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Tacoma.
Home prices in San Diego are 110.2% higher than in Tacoma. - Income is the same in San Diego and Tacoma. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 19.0% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 6.3% higher than in Tacoma.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 9.59% lower than in Tacoma.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Diego are 24.76% lower than in Tacoma.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Tacoma.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,428.74 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. San Diego
| San Diego | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 223,968 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 48 |
| Crime Index | 39.83 | 55.55 |
| Safety Index | 60.17 | 44.45 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Diego is about 519% greater than Tacoma, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in San Diego will be about the same as it currently is in Tacoma. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Youโll find San Diego to be about as walkable as Tacoma. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 53 and 54 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Tacoma. While Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, San Diego earned a 43. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- San Diego has a lower crime rate than Tacoma based on scores of 39.83 and Tacoma's 55.55, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Tacoma, based on San Diegoโs safety index of 60.17 versus 44.45 for Tacoma. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in San Diego isnโt as good as it is in Tacoma, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Diego has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Tacoma is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma vs. San Diego move
- Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Diego without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Diego
With your sights set on "America's Finest City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
After getting comfortable in your new California home, itโs time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tacoma to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tacoma are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to San Diego?
With many people choosing to move from Tacoma to San Diego in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Tacoma to San Diego take?
Moving from Tacoma, WA to San Diego, CA covers 1,226 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Tacoma movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.
