Moving from Olympia to Seattle, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Olympia to Seattle costs $70–$4,555, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 60-mile route within Washington take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 94+ Washington moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Olympia to Seattle?
Moving from Olympia to Seattle doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 60-mile move:
Moving from Olympia to Seattle costs between $70 and $4,555, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 60-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,314–$3,694 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $789–$1,523 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $87–$152 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $133/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 94+ Washington movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Olympia to Seattle?
A move from Olympia to Seattle runs $70 to $4,555, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 60-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $677–$4,555
- Moving containers: $548–$1,792
- Rental trucks: $70–$146
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 60 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $677–$3,454 | $548–$1,034 | $70–$113 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,314–$3,694 | $789–$1,523 | $87–$152 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,789–$4,555 | $947–$1,792 | $104–$146 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 94+ Washington moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Olympia to Seattle move?
Common extra fees on a Olympia to Seattle move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Olympia to Seattle
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Olympia to Seattle, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 60 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Olympia to Seattle. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Washington, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 60 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Washington moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Seattle to Olympia guide.
How does Seattle compare to Olympia?
Cost of living: Olympia vs. Seattle
The cost of living in Olympia vs. Seattle goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Seattle stacks up against Olympia.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Olympia | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,895 | $1,975 |
| Average home cost | $457,660 | $911,938 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,930 | $121,984 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,391 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.8% |
| Average sales tax | 9.4% | 10.35% |
Cost-of-living data for Olympia and Seattle comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 94+ Washington cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Seattle are nearly identical to Olympia. Your housing line item won't shift in the move.
- Home prices in Seattle are 99% higher than Olympia. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Salaries in Seattle average 59% higher than Olympia. Match your salary to local rates rather than your current pay band when negotiating.
- Living expenses for one person in Seattle run 51% higher than Olympia. The gap typically lands on rent, groceries, and transportation.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 here runs 82% higher than Olympia. The premium is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or school selection.
- Unemployment in Seattle is 14% lower than Olympia. A relocating professional with a current role can expect strong inbound recruiter activity.
- Sales taxes in Seattle run 10% higher than Olympia. Pre-move purchases of furniture or appliances avoid the higher rate.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,530 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Olympia.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Seattle
Life in Seattle vs. Olympia differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Olympia | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 737,015 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-39 | Democratic 57-43 |
| Summer high | 78ºF | 76ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 5" |
| Crime index | 27.95 | 58.88 |
- Seattle is around 1225% larger in size than Olympia. Larger cities offer more career and cultural depth, but housing costs and density rise accordingly.
- In the last presidential election, both Olympia and Seattle voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Seattle (76°F) match Olympia (78°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Olympia (33°F) and Seattle (36°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Olympia is 53 inches, vs. 38 inches in Seattle. The drier climate in Seattle typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall matches across Olympia (6 inches) and Seattle (5 inches). Plowing, gear, and winter driving expectations carry over.
- Crime index in Seattle (58.88) is higher than Olympia (27.95). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Seattle
Seattle balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Seattle
- Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP)
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- National Nordic Museum
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Flight
Parks in Seattle
- Discovery Park
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Green Lake Park
- Carkeek Park
- Washington Park Arboretum
Sports teams in Seattle
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Seattle Seawolves (MLR)
Universities in Seattle
- University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- City University of Seattle
- Antioch University Seattle
Final verdict: best movers from Olympia to Seattle
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Olympia to Seattle, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Washington service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $70–$4,555 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 94+ Washington movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Olympia to Seattle
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Olympia to Seattle?
A professional moving company from Olympia to Seattle charges $590–$2,895 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $1,314–$3,694. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $1,789–$4,555.
How much are moving container companies from Olympia to Seattle?
Moving containers from Olympia to Seattle typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $401 and go up to $967. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $789 and $1,523. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $947–$1,792.
How much is a moving truck from Olympia to Seattle?
A rental moving truck from Olympia to Seattle costs $71–$122 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $87–$152, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $104–$146.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book Olympia-to-Seattle movers?
Book your move from Olympia to Seattle at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your Olympia-to-Seattle movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Seattle?
The cheapest time to move to Seattle is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
