Moving from Tacoma to Seattle, WA
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Quick answer: Moving from Tacoma to Seattle costs between $40 to $4,282 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 Tacoma to Seattle
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Tacoma to Seattle are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Tacoma to driving and unloading in Seattle, 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 | $869 - $3,081 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $365 - $1,189 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $47 - $119 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | A2B Moving & Storage, LLC | $133/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 Tacoma to Seattle?
It costs between $40 to $4,282 to move from Tacoma to Seattle. The prices below break down your 33-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $495 - $4,282
- Moving containers: $117 - $1,503
- Rental trucks: $40 - $155
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $495 - $1,536 | $117 - $806 | $40 - $102 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $869 - $3,081 | $365 - $1,189 | $47 - $119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,499 - $4,282 | $832 - $1,503 | $62 - $155 |
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 | $369 - $3,075+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $133/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $246 - $984 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $62 - $246 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Tacoma to Seattle
At 33 miles, your Tacoma to Seattle 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 Tacoma to Seattle. 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 Tacoma to Seattle. 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 Seattle to Tacoma guide.
Considerations when moving from Tacoma to Seattle
Cost of living: Tacoma vs. Seattle
Comparing life in Tacoma and Seattle 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 Seattle stacks up against Tacoma.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Tacoma | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $1,975 |
| Average home cost | $454,577 | $911,938 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,857 | $121,984 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,133 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,260 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.3% | 10.35% |
- Rent prices in Seattle are 20% higher than in Tacoma. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Seattle are 101% higher than in Tacoma. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Seattle is 45% higher than in Tacoma, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Moving to Seattle means you’ll spend 10% less on living expenses than you would in Tacoma. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re moving your family to Seattle, expect living costs to be about 35% higher than in Tacoma. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Seattle a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is 34% lower than in Tacoma, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Seattle and Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, you’d need roughly $2,700 to maintain the same lifestyle in Seattle.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Seattle
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Seattle compared to Tacoma. 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.
| Tacoma | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 737,015 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 54-43 | Democratic 57-43 |
| Summer high | 77ºF | 76ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 36ºF |
| Annual rain | 41" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 5" |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 58.88 |
Seattle sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Seattle is approximately 229% greater than the population of Tacoma. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Tacoma and Seattle both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Tacoma and Seattle won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 76°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Tacoma and Seattle experience similar lows—expect 35°F in Tacoma and 36°F in Seattle.
- Both Tacoma and Seattle experience similar annual rainfall, with Tacoma receiving 41 inches and Seattle getting 38 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Tacoma and Seattle, with Tacoma getting about 4 inches and Seattle seeing 5 inches.
- Crime is higher in Seattle (58.88) than in Tacoma (55.55).
Things to do in Seattle
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Seattle.
Museums in Seattle
- Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP)
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- National Nordic Museum
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Flight
Parks in Seattle
- Discovery Park
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Green Lake Park
- Carkeek Park
- Washington Park Arboretum
Sports teams in Seattle
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Seattle Seawolves (MLR)
Universities in Seattle
- University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- City University of Seattle
- Antioch University Seattle
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Tacoma to Seattle?
Shipping furniture from Tacoma to Seattle with a mover will cost between $387 and $1,342. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $869–$3,081, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Tacoma to Seattle will cost from $1,499–$4,282.
How much are moving container companies from Tacoma to Seattle?
If you're moving from Tacoma to Seattle and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $112 to $798. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $365 and $1,189. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $832 up to $1,503.
How much is a moving truck from Tacoma to Seattle?
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 $39 and $96. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $47 to $119. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Tacoma to Seattle, truck rental prices typically range from $62 up to $155.
How far in advance should I book Tacoma-to-Seattle movers?
For a smooth move from Tacoma to Seattle, 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 Seattle?
To score the best moving deals to Seattle, 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.
