Olympia to Tacoma Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Olympia to Tacoma, WA is $35 - $3,731 for the ~31-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as All Ready Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 1,020 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $133/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Olympia
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Olympia to Tacoma?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Olympia to Tacoma are regulated by Washington law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Washington intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Washington companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend All Ready Moving & Storage (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Olympia to Tacoma moves complete in - days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 95+ Washington movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Olympia to Tacoma?
Expect to spend between $35 and $3,731* on a Olympia to Tacoma move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $463 - $3,731
- Moving containers: $103 - $1,419
- Rental trucks: $35 - $127
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $463 - $1,352 | $103 - $709 | $35 - $84 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $780 - $2,633 | $351 - $996 | $44 - $102 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,229 - $3,731 | $739 - $1,419 | $54 - $127 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 95+ Washington moving companies, and are updated as of September 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.
Learn more about the cost of Olympia, WA movers.
How Olympia to Tacoma moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $133 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,599.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 9% of Olympia movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 33% of Olympia movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Mountain Moving & Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Tacoma
Moving from Olympia to Tacoma is a job for local and regional Washington movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. All Ready Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 1,020 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Olympia to Tacoma
Local movers operating within Washington know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (4.64/5 stars): 95.4% positive customer ratings.
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. (4.5/5 stars): 88.3% positive customer ratings.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.42/5 stars): 92.8% positive customer ratings.
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars): 84.4% positive customer ratings.
- Morgan Transfer (4.38/5 stars): 77.0% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 33 movers in Olympia, drawing on 6,170 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Olympia to Tacoma
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Olympia, WA
Olympia residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Washington moving resources
How does Tacoma compare to Olympia?
Cost of living: Olympia vs. Tacoma
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Olympia | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,895 | $1,650 |
| Average home cost | $457,660 | $454,577 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,930 | $83,857 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,391 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 7.3% |
| Average sales tax | 9.4% | 10.3% |
Cost-of-living data for Olympia and Tacoma comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 95+ Washington moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 13% lower than in Olympia. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Tacoma match Olympia. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Average income in Tacoma is 9% higher than Olympia. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Tacoma is 67% higher than Olympia. Plan to add roughly 67% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Tacoma is 35% higher than Olympia. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Tacoma runs 30% higher than Olympia. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma are 10% higher than Olympia. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,010 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Olympia.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Tacoma
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Tacoma might look different from Olympia in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Olympia | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,605 | 223,968 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-39 | Democratic 54-43 |
| Summer high | 78ºF | 77ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 53" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 4" |
| Crime index | 27.95 | 55.55 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Washington can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 31% of movers in Washington, vs 33% nationally).
- Tacoma is 303% larger in size than Olympia. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both Olympia and Tacoma voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Tacoma (77°F) match Olympia (78°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Olympia (33°F) and Tacoma (35°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Olympia is 53 inches, vs. 41 inches in Tacoma. The drier climate in Tacoma typically supports more outdoor lifestyle and less wet-weather gear.
- Annual snowfall in Olympia (6 inches) and Tacoma (4 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Tacoma (55.55) is higher than Olympia (27.95). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Tacoma
Tacoma's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Tacoma
- LeMay - America's Car Museum
- Museum of Glass
- LeMay Collections at Marymount
- Washington State History Museum
- Tacoma Art Museum
Parks in Tacoma
- Point Defiance Park
- Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park
- 5 Mile Drive & Trails
- Wright Park
- W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
Sports teams in Tacoma
- Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)
- Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball)
Universities in Tacoma
- Pacific Lutheran University
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Final verdict: Olympia to Tacoma movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Washington service. For smaller moves, All Ready Moving & Storage (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 95.4% positive reviews across 1,020 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $35 - $3,731, based on our analysis of 95+ Washington movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Olympia to Tacoma
Do movers in Washington offer storage?
93% of movers in Washington offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How much is a moving truck from Olympia to Tacoma?
A rental truck from Olympia to Tacoma costs $35 - $81 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $44 - $102 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $54 - $127 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Is moving from Olympia to Tacoma considered a long-distance move?
A move from Olympia to Tacoma is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Washington law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Washington intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How many movers in Olympia offer labor-only help?
45% of movers in Olympia offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
How much are moving container companies from Olympia to Tacoma?
Moving containers from Olympia to Tacoma cost $105 - $695 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $351 - $996, and a larger home costs $739 - $1,419.
