Olympia to Tacoma Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Olympia to Tacoma, WA is $40–$4,593 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.
July 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?
At 31 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Washington companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend All Ready Moving & Storage (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. (4.56/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 31-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | All Ready Moving & Storage | $959–$3,111 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $411–$1,212 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $52–$121 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | All Ready Moving & Storage | $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 Tacoma?
Expect to spend between $40 and $4,593 on a Olympia to Tacoma move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 31-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $520–$4,593
- Moving containers: $122–$1,693
- Rental trucks: $40–$160
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 31 miles 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 | $520–$1,645 | $122–$880 | $40–$99 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $959–$3,111 | $411–$1,212 | $52–$121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,543–$4,593 | $798–$1,693 | $63–$160 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 94+ Washington moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Olympia to Tacoma move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Olympia to Tacoma move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
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 Tacoma
At 31 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Washington movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. 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 for this route
Local movers operating within Washington specialize in intrastate logistics, Washington regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 31 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 33 Olympia movers drawing on 6,170 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- All Ready Moving & Storage at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 1,020 verified reviews. 95.4% of customers rate them positively.
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 257 verified reviews. 88.3% of customers rate them positively.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 195 verified reviews. 92.8% of customers rate them positively.
- Mountain Moving & Storage at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 179 verified reviews. 84.4% of customers rate them positively.
- A & E Relocation Services at 4.38 out of 5 stars across 67 verified reviews. 46.3% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's 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.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- 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 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
What to know about moving from Olympia to Tacoma
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Olympia and Tacoma are both in Washington, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Washington law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Washington movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Washington intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Washington, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Washington intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 31 miles, most Olympia-to-Tacoma moves complete in – days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Olympia and Tacoma commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Washington summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Washington expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Olympia to Tacoma move:
- Verify your mover holds Washington intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma to Olympia guide.
How does Tacoma compare to Olympia?
Cost of living: Olympia vs. Tacoma
A cost-of-living comparison between Olympia and Tacoma covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Tacoma compares to Olympia.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 July 2026 across 94+ Washington cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Tacoma is 13% lower than Olympia. Apply the savings to a larger unit, a better neighborhood, or higher monthly savings.
- Home prices in Tacoma match Olympia. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Salaries in Tacoma average 9% higher than Olympia. Use local salary data, not Olympia comps, when benchmarking offers.
- Cost of living for one person is 67% higher in Tacoma than Olympia. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- 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 is 30% higher than Olympia. Job security is less certain, especially in cyclical or layoff-prone industries.
- Sales taxes in Tacoma are 10% higher than Olympia. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Olympia, you'd need about $5,010 in Tacoma.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Tacoma
A comparison of life in Olympia and Tacoma covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| 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 |
- Tacoma is 303% larger in size than Olympia. Expect more job opportunities and amenities, balanced against higher housing costs and a faster pace.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Olympia and Tacoma leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Tacoma (77°F) and Olympia (78°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Olympia (33°F) and Tacoma (35°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall in Olympia runs 53 inches, higher than Tacoma's 41 inches. Expect drier conditions and reduced rain-related home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Olympia (6 inches) and Tacoma (4 inches) is comparable. Winter budgets and habits don't require adjustment.
- Crime index in Tacoma (55.55) runs higher than Olympia (27.95). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
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: best movers from Olympia to Tacoma
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Olympia to Tacoma, 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 smaller homes and apartment moves, All Ready Moving & Storage (4.64 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 95.4% positive reviews across 1,020 verified customer reviews.
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 $40–$4,593 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 Tacoma
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Olympia to Tacoma?
A move from Olympia to Tacoma with a professional moving company costs $406–$1,300 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $959 up to $3,111. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,543–$4,593 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Olympia to Tacoma?
Moving containers from Olympia to Tacoma cost $116–$871 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $411–$1,212. A larger home costs $798–$1,693.
How much is a moving truck from Olympia to Tacoma?
A rental moving truck from Olympia to Tacoma costs $41–$100 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $52–$121, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $63 and $160.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Olympia-to-Tacoma movers?
Lock in your movers for a Olympia to Tacoma move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time. Since this is an intrastate Washington move, delivery windows are tight. Same-day or next-day delivery is realistic if you book early.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma?
The best deals on a move to Tacoma fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
Is moving from Olympia to Tacoma considered a long-distance move?
A move from Olympia to Tacoma is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Washington, so Washington law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 31 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Washington intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Olympia to Tacoma take?
Most moves from Olympia to Tacoma take – days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 31 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
