Moving from Seattle to Tacoma, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Tacoma costs $39–$4,370, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 33-mile route within Washington take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 94+ Washington moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Seattle to Tacoma?
Moving from Seattle to Tacoma doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 33-mile move:
Moving from Seattle to Tacoma costs between $39 and $4,370, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 33-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $950–$2,815 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $376–$1,178 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $51–$119 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $141/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 Seattle to Tacoma?
Moving from Seattle to Tacoma costs between $39 and $4,370, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 33-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $542–$4,370
- Moving containers: $128–$1,613
- Rental trucks: $39–$158
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 33 miles and bring your own labor.
- 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 | $542–$1,583 | $128–$789 | $39–$101 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $950–$2,815 | $376–$1,178 | $51–$119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,439–$4,370 | $840–$1,613 | $65–$158 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 94+ Washington moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Seattle to Tacoma move?
The most common extra fees on a Seattle to Tacoma move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
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 | $141/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 Seattle to Tacoma
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Seattle to Tacoma, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 33 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Seattle to Tacoma. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Washington, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 33 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- 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 Washington moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma to Seattle guide.
How does Tacoma compare to Seattle?
Cost of living: Seattle vs. Tacoma
Cost-of-living differences between Seattle and Tacoma extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Tacoma compares to 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Seattle and Tacoma comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 94+ Washington cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 16% lower than in Seattle. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Tacoma are 50% lower than Seattle. Apply the savings to a larger property, a shorter mortgage, or higher equity at purchase.
- Average income in Tacoma is 31% lower than Seattle. The shift only nets favorably if local cost of living is meaningfully cheaper.
- Living expenses for one person in Tacoma are 11% higher than Seattle. The premium is most visible in housing and dining out.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Tacoma is 26% lower than Seattle. Lower costs free up budget for a larger home, a shorter commute, or higher household savings.
- Unemployment in Tacoma runs 52% higher than Seattle. Confirm employer offers in writing before committing to the move.
- Sales taxes match in Tacoma and Seattle. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live 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
Life in Tacoma compared to Seattle differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps 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 is 70% smaller in size than Seattle. Expect lower housing costs and easier mobility, with tradeoffs on niche dining, retail, and industry concentration.
- Seattle and Tacoma both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer highs in Tacoma (77°F) match Seattle (76°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Seattle (36°F) and Tacoma (35°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Seattle (38 inches) and Tacoma (41 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall is similar in Seattle (5 inches) and Tacoma (4 inches). Winter expense planning translates directly.
- Crime index in Tacoma (55.55) is lower than Seattle (58.88). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.
Things to do in Tacoma
Tacoma offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
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 Seattle to Tacoma
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Seattle 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 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 $39–$4,370 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 Seattle to Tacoma
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Seattle to Tacoma?
A full-service move from Seattle to Tacoma costs $379–$1,329 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $950 to $2,815, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Seattle to Tacoma costs from $1,439 to $4,370.
How much are moving container companies from Seattle to Tacoma?
Moving containers from Seattle to Tacoma cost $121–$798 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $376 and $1,178. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $840–$1,613.
How much is a moving truck from Seattle to Tacoma?
A rental moving truck from Seattle to Tacoma costs $41–$93 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $51–$119. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $65–$158.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Seattle-to-Tacoma movers?
Book your movers for a Seattle to Tacoma move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma?
The cheapest moving deals to Tacoma fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
