($1,818+) Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Providence, RI, runs anywhere from $1,697 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $15,950 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,040 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 $3,103, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $15,950 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,165 - $7,657, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,697 - $4,668.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Providence, RI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,873 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 Providence, RI
Moving options from Tacoma to Providence fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,873 - $9,682 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 3,040-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,040-mile route from Tacoma to Providence, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $3,103 - $8,040 | $2,165 - $4,061 | $1,697 - $3,462 | $1,968 - $3,691 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,873 - $9,682 | $2,672 - $5,889 | $1,838 - $4,121 | $2,181 - $4,618 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,360 - $15,950 | $3,844 - $7,657 | $2,348 - $4,668 | $3,075 - $5,999 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI
For the 3,040-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Providence, Rhode Island, full-service movers cost between $3,103 and $15,950. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $352 - $2,348 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Tacoma generally start around $316 plus $133 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,103 - $8,040
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,873 - $9,682
- 4+ bedrooms: $9,360 - $15,950
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 Providence.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Rhode Island. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Providence, RI
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Providence, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $587 - $5,870 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $235 - $1,409/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $352 - $2,818 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs35% of local movers | $1,174 - $3,522 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,935 - $11,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $879 - $1,671 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,174 - $2,935 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $939 - $4,109 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $352 - $1,761 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $763 - $2,348 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $352 - $17,610+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $352 - $4,109+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Providence?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Tacoma, WA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Providence, Rhode Island, cost between $2,165 and $7,657. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Tacoma typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,165 - $4,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,672 - $5,889
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,844 - $7,657
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $88 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $176 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Providence, RI, 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 $822 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 Rhode Island 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 $2,165. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,672 - $5,889, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Providence?
- 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
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI
Renting a moving truck for the 3,040-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Providence, Rhode Island, costs between $1,697 and $4,668, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,136 - $1,298
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Providence based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,697 - $3,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,838 - $4,121
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,348 - $4,668
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,697 - $4,668 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tacoma to Providence. Fuel ($1,136 - $1,298) , lodging at around $176/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $176 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $76 and $382 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,136 - $1,298 in fuel for the 3,040-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $822 in Tacoma, Washington, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Providence?
- 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 Providence, RI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, to Providence, Rhode Island. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,057 and $4,618.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,968 - $3,691
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,181 - $4,618
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,075 - $5,999
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $88 - $176 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $822.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Providence?
- 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tacoma to Providence. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Providence, RI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Tacoma and Providence to plan around. Cost of living index: 123 vs. 109. Average rent: $1,650/mo vs. $2,200/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 54 vs. 76. Safety index: 44.45 vs. 50.16.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Rhode Island over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 95 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 3,040-mile move.
Our take
A move from Tacoma, WA, to Providence, RI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $3,103 - $15,950 on the 3,040-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,165 - $7,657, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,697 - $4,668. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,873 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Textron and United Natural Foods.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Providence, RI
How walkable is Providence?
Providence has a walkability score of 76 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 61, compared to 54 and 48 in Tacoma. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,136 - $1,298), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $176/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700.
What is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA to Providence, RI?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
