Moving from Seattle to Tacoma, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Tacoma costs between $38 to $4,463 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 33-mile route within Washington take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Seattle to Tacoma
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Seattle to Tacoma are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Seattle to driving and unloading in Tacoma, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 33 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $923 - $2,875 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $384 - $1,177 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $121 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | On The Go Moving and Storage | $141/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Tacoma?
It costs between $38 to $4,463 to move from Seattle to Tacoma. The prices below break down your 33-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $531 - $4,463
- Moving containers: $123 - $1,487
- Rental trucks: $38 - $153
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $531 - $1,567 | $123 - $830 | $38 - $97 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $923 - $2,875 | $384 - $1,177 | $48 - $121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,455 - $4,463 | $784 - $1,487 | $67 - $153 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $474 - $3,950+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $141/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $316 - $1,264 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $79 - $316 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Seattle to Tacoma
At 33 miles, your Seattle to Tacoma move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Seattle to Tacoma. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Washington, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 33 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Triple 7 Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Seattle to Tacoma. They've been in business since 2009 (17 years of experience) and 93.6% of their 654 verified reviews are positive.
More Washington moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma to Seattle guide.
Considerations when moving from Seattle to Tacoma
Cost of living: Seattle vs. Tacoma
Comparing life in Seattle and Tacoma goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Tacoma stacks up against Seattle.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Seattle | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,975 | $1,650 |
| Average home cost | $911,938 | $454,577 |
| Average income (per capita) | $121,984 | $83,857 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,740 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,801 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.35% | 10.3% |
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 16% lower than in Seattle, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Tacoma are 50% lower than in Seattle, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Tacoma is 31% lower than in Seattle, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Cost of living for one person is 11% higher in Tacoma compared to Seattle. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating to Tacoma, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 26% lower than in Seattle. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Tacoma is 52% higher than in Seattle. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes match in Tacoma and Seattle, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Seattle, you’d need roughly $3,330 to maintain the same lifestyle in Tacoma.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Tacoma
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Tacoma compared to Seattle. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Seattle | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 223,968 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 57-43 | Democratic 54-43 |
| Summer high | 76ºF | 77ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 4" |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 55.55 |
Tacoma sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Tacoma has about 70% fewer people than Seattle. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Seattle and Tacoma both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Seattle and Tacoma won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 77°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Seattle and Tacoma experience similar lows—expect 36°F in Seattle and 35°F in Tacoma.
- Both Seattle and Tacoma experience similar annual rainfall, with Seattle receiving 38 inches and Tacoma getting 41 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Seattle and Tacoma, with Seattle getting about 5 inches and Tacoma seeing 4 inches.
- You’ll feel safer in Tacoma, thanks to its lower crime index (55.55) compared to Seattle (58.88).
Things to do in Tacoma
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Tacoma.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Seattle to Tacoma?
Shipping furniture from Seattle to Tacoma with a mover will cost between $411 and $1,382. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $923–$2,875, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Seattle to Tacoma will cost from $1,455–$4,463.
How much are moving container companies from Seattle to Tacoma?
If you're moving from Seattle to Tacoma and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $123 to $766. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $384 and $1,177. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $784 up to $1,487.
How much is a moving truck from Seattle to Tacoma?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $38 and $92. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $48 to $121. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Seattle to Tacoma, truck rental prices typically range from $67 up to $153.
How far in advance should I book Seattle-to-Tacoma movers?
For a smooth move from Seattle to Tacoma, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma?
To score the best moving deals to Tacoma, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
