Olympia, WA to Garland, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best WA→TX movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 94 Washington movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Olympia to Garland

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Garland runs about 14% higher for singles and 45% higher for families than Olympia.

Singles spend around $2,827 in Garland versus $2,473 in Olympia; families pay $7,793 compared with $5,391.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Olympia	Garland
Average 1 BR rent	$1,675	$2,000
Average 3 BR rent	$2,817	$3,600
Average home value	$508,798	$294,156
Average income (per capita)	$66,492	$68,107
Cost of living (single)	$2,473	$2,827
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,391	$7,793
Unemployment rate	5.6%	6.5%
Sales tax	9.4%	8.25%
State income tax	0.0%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

When relocating from Olympia to Garland, expect to find rent about 14% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 42% more affordable in Garland compared to Olympia.
In terms of average income, Garland and Olympia are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Garland, as living costs for a single person are 14% higher than in Olympia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you’re moving your family to Garland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Garland is 45% higher than in Olympia.
Garland shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Olympia by around 16%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
Sales taxes are 12% less in Garland relative to Olympia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
Neither Washington nor Texas has a state income tax, so you’ll keep more of your gross income no matter where you live.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Olympia and Garland:

Living Expense	Olympia	Garland
Basic utilities	$152.80	$175.31
Cell phone plan	$58.64	$48.33
Dozen eggs	$4.30	$4.94
Loaf of bread	$3.94	$2.75
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$12.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$70.00	$35.00
Gym membership	$58.33	$30.67

Basic utilities cost less in Olympia than in Garland, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Olympia than in Garland.
Eggs are less expensive in Olympia than in Garland.
Bread is more expensive in Olympia than in Garland.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Olympia than in Garland.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Olympia than in Garland.
Gym memberships cost more in Olympia than in Garland.

How life is different in Olympia vs. Garland

	Olympia	Garland
Population	55,605	239,928
Transportation score	5	4
Walkability score	39	40
Bike friendliness score	59	41
Crime index	27.95	37.13
Safety index	62.25	62.87
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Garland’s population is about 331% greater than Olympia.
Garland’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Olympia’s score of 5.
Garland and Olympia are similarly walkable.
Garland has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Olympia, which has a score of 59.
Garland’s crime rate is higher than Olympia with a score of 37.13 compared to Olympia’s 27.95. This means that Garland neighborhoods are safer than 37.13% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95%.
Garland and Olympia have a similar safety level, with scores of 62.87 and 62.25.
Air quality in Garland is Good, and in Olympia it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your Olympia to Garland move

HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Garland. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Garland

Planning your move to Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Garland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Wood Glen
Valley Creek North
Buckingham North
The Enclave
Picket Place

Best neighborhoods for families

Wood Glen
Valley Creek North
Meadowcreek Village
Arbor Creek
Las Mariposas

Things to do in Garland

After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Garland has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

Arts and culture: Garland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Garland Landmark Museum.
Outdoor recreation: The city’s Rowlett Creek Preserve, Spring Creek Park, and Lake Ray Hubbard — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Garland Independent School District (IISD) high schools game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Olympia to Garland?

Planning your move from Olympia to Garland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Olympia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Olympia to Garland?

Because most people are moving from Olympia to Garland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Olympia to Garland take?

The 2,128-mile journey from Olympia, WA to Garland, TX, typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Olympia offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Garland.

Are there special savings available from movers in Olympia?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Olympia?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Olympia, 26 movers can manage piano relocations. 19 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Washington has 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,300 and 1,465 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.