($1,292+) Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX

Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $1,292 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,843 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,328 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,770, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $13,843 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,683 - $6,126, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,292 - $3,758.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,250 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX

Moving options from Tacoma to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,250 - $8,611 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 49% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,328-mile route typically takes 7 to 18 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,328-mile route from Tacoma to Houston, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,770 - $6,735 $1,683 - $3,151 $1,292 - $2,677 $1,546 - $2,985
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,250 - $8,611 $2,180 - $4,657 $1,441 - $3,034 $1,744 - $3,576
4+ bedrooms $7,526 - $13,843 $3,058 - $6,126 $1,803 - $3,758 $2,372 - $5,002

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX

Full-service movers for the 2,328-mile relocation from Tacoma, Washington, to Houston, Texas, cost between $2,770 and $13,843. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $338 - $2,252, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Tacoma typically charge a base rate around $316 plus $133 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Houston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,770 - $6,735
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,250 - $8,611
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,526 - $13,843

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Tacoma to Houston.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX

Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Houston, 54% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing68% of local movers$563 - $5,630
Storage in transitNew place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage$225 - $1,351/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$338 - $2,702
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers$1,126 - $3,378
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,815 - $11,260
Car shippingSecond vehicle$843 - $1,602
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers$1,126 - $2,815
PianoAny piano type33% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers$901 - $3,941
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers$338 - $1,689
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers$732 - $2,252
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$338 - $16,890+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$338 - $3,941+

What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Houston?

Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Tacoma, WA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX

Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,683 and $6,126. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Tacoma typically costs about $110/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Houston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,683 - $3,151
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,180 - $4,657
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,058 - $6,126

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $788 in Tacoma, WA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $84 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $169 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Houston, TX, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,683. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,180 - $4,657.

What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Houston?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Tacoma to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Tacoma:

  • All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
  • A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
  • Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX

A rental truck for this 2,328-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Houston, Texas, costs between $1,292 and $3,758. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $834 - $953
  • Daily insurance: $34/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tacoma to Houston based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,292 - $2,677
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,441 - $3,034
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,803 - $3,758

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,292 - $3,758 when pricing out a rental truck from Tacoma to Houston. Fuel alone runs $834 - $953, and overnight lodging ($169/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $788.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $834 - $953 for the 2,328-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $68 and $366, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $169 per night for hotel stops on the 2,328-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $338 - $507.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Houston?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX

For larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Houston, Texas.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,744 and $3,576.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Houston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,546 - $2,985
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,744 - $3,576
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,372 - $5,002

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $84 - $169 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $788.

What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Houston?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Houston, TX

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Houston, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Tacoma, WA Houston, TX
Cost of living index12397
Average rent$1,650/mo$1,549/mo
Median home value$454,577$258,925
Average income$83,857/yr$62,894/yr
Unemployment rate7.3%4.1%
State income taxNoneNone
Walkability score54/10047/100
Safety index44.45/10036.5/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston, TX to Tacoma, WA guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Texas in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 265 movers based in Washington, handy for sizing up options on this 2,328-mile route.

30%+
Save 30%+
moveBuddha users save an average of at least 30% by checking pricing before booking.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
We provide added coverage and dedicated support throughout for moveBuddha Certified moves.
✓
Dispute mediation
If anything goes wrong, we help resolve it with Certified movers.

Our take

For a move from Tacoma, WA, to Houston, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,770 for a studio to $13,843 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,328-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,683 - $6,126. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,292 - $3,758, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $4,250 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.

FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Houston, TX

What are the best neighborhoods in Houston?

For families, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, and Kingwood are worth a look in Houston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenway/Upper Kirby, and Montrose tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 18 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What do local movers charge in Tacoma?

Local movers based in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Houston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

How much does it cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Houston, TX?

Costs on this route range from around $1,292 to $13,843, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,770 and $13,843, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 33% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.