Highly rated local moving companies for Tacoma to Portland moves
Organizing a move from Tacoma to Portland can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 63 local movers in Tacoma known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Tacoma to Portland.
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Ed’s Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2083124
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1941425
Years in Business: 15
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 885643
Years in Business: 62
DOT #: 885643
Alternate Names: Mountain Trucking Co Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 914878
Years in Business: 60
DOT #: 914878
Alternate Names: Eds Moving and Storage, Inc. , Ace Moving and Warehousing
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 1809
Years in Business: 122
DOT #: 586615
Alternate Names: Olympic Moving & Storage , Olympic Moving & Storage II, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma to Portland?
On average, moving companies in Washington charge about $143 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $658 – $2,577 | $487 – $1,225 | $155 – $260 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,396 – $3,752 | $943 – $1,630 | $169 – $297 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,846 – $4,871 | $1,191 – $1,963 | $199 – $333 |
Cost to hire movers from Tacoma to Portland
When planning a move to Portland from Tacoma, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $658 and $2,577. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,396 and $3,752 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,846 to $4,871.
Cost of moving containers from Tacoma to Portland
When you’re heading from Tacoma to Portland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $487 and $1,225. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $943 and $1,630. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,191 to $1,963. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Portland
A moving rental truck from Tacoma to Portland is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $155 to $260. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $169 to $297, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Tacoma to Portland costs around $199 to $333.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Tacoma to Portland
The cost of Tacoma movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Tacoma to Portland may only cost $970, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $4,555.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Tacoma.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($155–$300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Tacoma to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Tacoma – roughly 38% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,572 for one person in Portland versus $4,133 in Tacoma. For a family of four, it’s $6,077 compared with $7,260.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Tacoma | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,935 | $1,825 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,389 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $477,289 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,133 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,260 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.3% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 9.9% |
- Rent is about 7% less expensive in Portland than in Tacoma, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 9% steeper in Portland compared to Tacoma.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 17% greater in Portland than in Tacoma, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Portland. The cost of living for a single person there is 38% below that of Tacoma.
- A move to Portland can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 16% lower compared to Tacoma.
- Portland and Tacoma have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Portland has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Tacoma. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Oregon has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tacoma versus Portland:
| Living Expense | Tacoma | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.80 | $211.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.50 | $66.74 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.84 | $4.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.21 | $4.11 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $51.67 | $37.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tacoma than in Portland.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tacoma than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Tacoma than in Portland.
- Bread is more expensive in Tacoma than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tacoma than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tacoma than in Portland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Tacoma than in Portland.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Portland
| Tacoma | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 652,503 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 81 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 92 |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 57.37 |
| Safety index | 44.45 | 42.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 191% greater than Tacoma.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Tacoma’s score of 6.
- Portland is more walkable than Tacoma with a score of 81 out of 100 vs Tacoma’s 54 out of 100.
- With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland and Tacoma have a similar crime rate with scores of 57.37 and 55.55, respectively.
- Portland and Tacoma have a similar safety level, with scores of 42.63 and 44.45.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Tacoma it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma to Portland move
- HOA rules: Costs across Tacoma and Portland are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Oregon, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Oregon, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Portland
With your sights set on Bridgetown, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Goose Hollow
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
With your move to Oregon complete, you can dive right into experiencing Portland. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, and Oregon Maritime Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Portland Trailblazers (NBA)Portland Timbers (MLS)Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Portland?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tacoma to Portland. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tacoma.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Portland?
Want to save on your move from Tacoma to Portland? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Tacoma to Portland take?
The 143-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Portland, , takes one to two days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Portland.
What kinds of discounts do Tacoma movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Tacoma?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 48 movers in Tacoma provide piano moving services. 38 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 73 piano movers and 46 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Tacoma moving services
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