($1,633+) Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Boston, MA, runs anywhere from $1,633 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,597 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,036 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 $3,204, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $14,597 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,982 - $7,147, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,633 - $4,403.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Boston, MA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,931 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA
There are 3 main ways to move from Tacoma to Boston: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $4,931 - $9,901. Containers cost roughly 48% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 65% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 3,036 miles, expect 7 to 21 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,036-mile route from Tacoma to Boston, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $3,204 - $7,656 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,982 - $3,830), rental truck ($1,633 - $3,011), or freight trailer ($1,712 - $3,516). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,931 - $9,901 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $14,597.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA
Full-service movers for the 3,036-mile relocation from Tacoma, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts, cost between $3,204 and $14,597. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $403 - $2,684, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Tacoma typically charge a base rate around $316 plus $133 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,204 - $7,656
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,931 - $9,901
- 4+ bedrooms: $9,099 - $14,597
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 Boston.
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 Boston, MA
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Boston, 76% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $671 - $6,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $268 - $1,610/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $403 - $3,221 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,342 - $4,026 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,355 - $13,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,005 - $1,910 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,342 - $3,355 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,074 - $4,697 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $403 - $2,013 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $872 - $2,684 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $403 - $20,130+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $403 - $4,697+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Boston?
Movers licensed to operate in Massachusetts are typically members of the Massachusetts Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Tacoma, WA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts, cost between $1,982 and $7,147. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Tacoma typically runs around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,982 - $3,830
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,572 - $5,500
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,733 - $7,147
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $101 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $201 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Boston, MA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $939 in Tacoma, WA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Massachusetts 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 $1,982. 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 $2,572 - $5,500.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Boston?
- 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 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
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA
Plan on $1,633 - $4,403 for a rental moving truck on the 3,036-mile route from Tacoma, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,296 - $1,482
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| 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 Tacoma to Boston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,633 - $3,011
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,733 - $3,812
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,349 - $4,403
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,633 - $4,403 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tacoma to Boston. Fuel ($1,296 - $1,482), lodging at around $201/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 $939.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $1,296 - $1,482 for the 3,036-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 $81 and $436, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $201 per night for hotel stops on the 3,036-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $403 - $604.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Boston?
- 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 Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tacoma, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $2,099 and $4,312.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,712 - $3,516
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,099 - $4,312
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,728 - $5,897
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 $939.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $101 - $201 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 Boston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Boston fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Boston, MA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Boston, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $3,400/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $710,400 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $94,755/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 6.2% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 9.0% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 98/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 60.12/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Boston, MA to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Massachusetts, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Washington alone has 279 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 3,036-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 3,036-mile route from Tacoma, WA, to Boston, MA, run $3,204 - $14,597 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,982 - $7,147, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,633 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,931, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include General Electric and Fidelity Investments.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Boston, MA
What are the best neighborhoods in Boston?
For families, Charlestown, East Boston, and Hyde Park are worth a look in Boston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Allston-Brighton, Back Bay-Beacon Hill, and East Boston tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA?
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 $1,733 - $3,812. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Boston a safe place to live?
Boston has a safety index of 60.12 out of 100 and a crime index of 39.88, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA to Boston, MA?
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. Massachusetts also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.