Moving from Spokane to Olympia, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Spokane to Olympia costs $375–$8,459, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 319-mile route within Washington take 1–4 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 Spokane to Olympia?
Moving from Spokane to Olympia 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 319-mile move:
Moving from Spokane to Olympia costs between $375 and $8,459, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 319-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $2,257–$6,547 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,284–$2,569 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $424–$824 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $110/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 Spokane to Olympia?
Movers typically charge between $375 and $8,459 for a Spokane to Olympia move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 319-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $1,366–$8,459
- Moving containers: $1,016–$3,291
- Rental trucks: $375–$945
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 319 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,366–$4,799 | $1,016–$1,832 | $375–$675 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,257–$6,547 | $1,284–$2,569 | $424–$824 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,344–$8,459 | $1,732–$3,291 | $519–$945 |
*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 Spokane to Olympia move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Spokane to Olympia move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
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 | $110/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 Spokane to Olympia
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Spokane to Olympia, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 319 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 Spokane to Olympia. 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 319 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 Olympia to Spokane guide.
How does Olympia compare to Spokane?
Cost of living: Spokane vs. Olympia
Cost-of-living factors in Spokane vs. Olympia go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Olympia stacks up against Spokane.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Spokane | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,895 |
| Average home cost | $324,776 | $457,660 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,745 | $76,930 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,556 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,270 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.6% |
| Average sales tax | 9.0% | 9.4% |
Cost-of-living data for Spokane and Olympia 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 Olympia are 31% higher than in Spokane. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Olympia are 41% higher than Spokane. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Olympia is 17% higher than Spokane. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- Daily expenses for one person are nearly identical in Spokane and Olympia. Plan around the same monthly spending baseline.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Olympia is 14% lower than Spokane. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Olympia runs 15% lower than Spokane. Expect shorter time-to-hire and stronger negotiation positioning.
- Sales taxes match in Olympia and Spokane. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Spokane, expect to budget around $2,910 to maintain the same lifestyle in Olympia.
How life is different in Spokane vs. Olympia
A side-by-side comparison of life in Spokane vs. Olympia helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Spokane and Olympia so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Spokane | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 593,466 | 55,605 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-46 | Democratic 58-39 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 78ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 53" |
| Annual snow | 44" | 6" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 27.95 |
- Olympia is 91% smaller in size than Spokane. Lower housing costs and shorter commutes are the primary upside; specialized careers may have fewer local options.
- In the last presidential election, Olympia voted Democratic and Spokane voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Olympia reach 78°F, cooler than 84°F in Spokane. The milder summer typically lowers utility bills and supports more outdoor lifestyle.
- Winter lows in Spokane drop to 22°F, colder than Olympia's 33°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
- Annual rainfall in Olympia hits 53 inches, higher than Spokane's 17 inches. The wetter climate shifts outdoor habits and raises maintenance costs.
- Annual snowfall in Spokane hits 44 inches, vs. 6 inches in Olympia. Expect lower plowing, gear, and heating costs after the move.
- Crime index in Olympia (27.95) runs higher than Spokane (3.0). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
Things to do in Olympia
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Olympia. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Olympia
- Hands On Children's Museum
- Olympic Flight Museum
- WET Science Center
- Bigelow House Museum
- Childhood's End Gallery
Parks in Olympia
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
- Squaxin Park
- Percival Landing
- Tolmie State Park
- Monarch Sculpture Park
Sports teams in Olympia
Universities in Olympia
- Saint Martin's University
- South Puget Sound Community College
- Evergreen State College
- Saint Martin's University
Final verdict: best movers from Spokane to Olympia
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Spokane to Olympia, 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 $375–$8,459 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 Spokane to Olympia
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Spokane to Olympia?
A full-service move from Spokane to Olympia ranges from $1,340 to $4,190 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $2,257–$6,547. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $3,344–$8,459 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Spokane to Olympia?
Moving containers from Spokane to Olympia break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $730 to $1,780. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,284 and $2,569. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,732 to $3,291.
How much is a moving truck from Spokane to Olympia?
A rental moving truck from Spokane to Olympia costs $390–$696 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $424–$824, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $519 and $945.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Spokane-to-Olympia movers?
Ideally, book your move from Spokane to Olympia at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Spokane-to-Olympia movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Olympia?
For the cheapest move to Olympia, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
