Moving from Spokane to Tacoma, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Spokane to Tacoma costs between $357 to $8,183 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 292-mile route within Washington take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Spokane to Tacoma
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Spokane to Tacoma are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Spokane 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 292 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,122 - $6,056 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,347 - $2,505 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $380 - $812 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Spokane Pro Movers | $110/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 Spokane to Tacoma?
It costs between $357 to $8,183 to move from Spokane to Tacoma. The prices below break down your 292-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,331 - $8,183
- Moving containers: $1,065 - $3,170
- Rental trucks: $357 - $903
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,331 - $5,170 | $1,065 - $1,805 | $357 - $686 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,122 - $6,056 | $1,347 - $2,505 | $380 - $812 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,901 - $8,183 | $1,640 - $3,170 | $494 - $903 |
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 | $309 - $2,575+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $206 - $824 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $206 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Spokane to Tacoma
At 292 miles, your Spokane 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 Spokane to Tacoma. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Washington, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 292 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Spokane to Tacoma. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 96.6% of their 232 verified reviews are positive.
More Washington moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma to Spokane guide.
Considerations when moving from Spokane to Tacoma
Cost of living: Spokane vs. Tacoma
When weighing the cost of living in Spokane versus Tacoma, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Tacoma really compares to Spokane.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Spokane | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Average home cost | $324,776 | $454,577 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,745 | $83,857 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,556 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,270 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.0% | 10.3% |
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 14% higher than in Spokane. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Tacoma are 40% higher than in Spokane. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 28% higher than in Spokane. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 62% higher in Tacoma compared to Spokane, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 16% higher than in Spokane. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Tacoma less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Tacoma is 11% higher than in Spokane. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 14% higher in Tacoma than in Spokane. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Spokane, you’d need about $4,860 in Tacoma.
How life is different in Spokane vs. Tacoma
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Spokane and Tacoma. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Spokane | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 593,466 | 223,968 |
| Political leaning | Republican 50-46 | Democratic 54-43 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 77ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 41" |
| Annual snow | 44" | 4" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 55.55 |
Tacoma sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Tacoma is approximately 62% lower than the population of Spokane. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Tacoma voted Democratic, while Spokane voted Republican.
- Summer temperatures in Tacoma usually peak at 77°F, compared to Spokane at 84°F. Moving to a cooler city means breezier summers and less stress from relentless heat.
- During the coldest months, Spokane is colder than Tacoma, with temperatures falling to 22°F compared to Tacoma’s 35°F.
- Tacoma receives more annual rainfall than Spokane, with about 41 inches per year compared to Spokane’s 17 inches.
- Typically, Spokane gets more snow than Tacoma, averaging 44 per year versus Tacoma’s 4.
- Tacoma reports a higher crime index than Spokane, with scores of 55.55 and 3.0, respectively.
Things to do in Tacoma
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Tacoma has it all.
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 Spokane to Tacoma?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Spokane to Tacoma, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,202 and $4,042. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,122 up to $6,056. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,901 to $8,183 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Spokane to Tacoma?
Moving containers from Spokane to Tacoma will cost you $707 to $1,754 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,347 to $2,505. A larger home will cost $1,640 to $3,170.
How much is a moving truck from Spokane to Tacoma?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $361 to $679. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $380 and $812. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Spokane to Tacoma, costs usually fall between $494 and $903.
How far in advance should I book Spokane-to-Tacoma movers?
To make your move from Spokane to Tacoma as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma?
For the best deals on your move to Tacoma, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
