($1,111+) Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Milwaukee, WI, runs anywhere from $1,111 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,728 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,983 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,575, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,728 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,505 - $5,570, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,111 - $3,057.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Milwaukee, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,695 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI
There are 3 main ways to move from Tacoma to Milwaukee: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,695 - $8,713. Moving containers run about 43% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,983-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,983-mile route from Tacoma to Milwaukee, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,575 - $5,795 with full-service movers, $1,505 - $2,946 with a container, $1,111 - $2,230 with a rental truck, or $1,440 - $2,814 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,695 - $8,713 full-service, $2,090 - $4,382 by container, $1,301 - $2,706 by rental truck, or $1,590 - $3,202 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,118 - $11,728 full-service, $2,806 - $5,570 by container, $1,641 - $3,057 by rental truck, or $2,334 - $4,546 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI
Full-service movers for the 1,983-mile relocation from Tacoma, Washington, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $2,575 and $11,728. 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 $327 - $2,180, 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 Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,575 - $5,795
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,695 - $8,713
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,118 - $11,728
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 Milwaukee.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Milwaukee, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $545 - $5,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $218 - $1,308/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $327 - $2,616 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,090 - $3,270 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,725 - $10,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $816 - $1,551 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers | $1,090 - $2,725 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers | $872 - $3,815 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $327 - $1,635 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Triple 7 Movers | $709 - $2,180 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $327 - $16,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $327 - $3,815+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Milwaukee?
All three below meet the standards set by the Wisconsin Movers Association, the group most Wisconsin movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Tacoma, WA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $1,505 and $5,570. 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 Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,505 - $2,946
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,090 - $4,382
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,806 - $5,570
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $82 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $164 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Milwaukee, WI, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $763 in Tacoma, WA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Wisconsin 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 $1,505. 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 $2,090 - $4,382.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Milwaukee?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Milwaukee, WI
Plan on $1,111 - $3,057 for a rental moving truck on the 1,983-mile route from Tacoma, Washington, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $688 - $786
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tacoma to Milwaukee based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,111 - $2,230
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,301 - $2,706
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,641 - $3,057
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Tacoma to Milwaukee starts at $1,111 - $3,057, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($688 - $786), overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $164 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $71 and $354 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $688 - $786 in fuel for the 1,983-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $763 in Tacoma, Washington, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Milwaukee?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Milwaukee, WI
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Tacoma, Washington, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,590 and $3,202.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,440 - $2,814
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,590 - $3,202
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,334 - $4,546
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $82 - $164 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for about five hours typically runs $763.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Milwaukee?
- 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.
- 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tacoma to Milwaukee. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Milwaukee, WI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Milwaukee, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 88 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $171,025 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $51,888/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 7.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 33.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Milwaukee, WI to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Wisconsin over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 265 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 1,983-mile move.
Our take
A move from Tacoma, WA, to Milwaukee, WI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,575 - $11,728 on the 1,983-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,505 - $5,570, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,111 - $3,057. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,695 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Johnson Controls and Aurora Health Care.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Milwaukee, WI
What are the best neighborhoods in Milwaukee?
For families, Bay View, Historic Third Ward, and Juneau Town are worth a look in Milwaukee. If you're moving solo or without kids, Bay View, Brewer’s Hill, and Historic Third Ward tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, WI?
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 Milwaukee, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $1,111 to $11,728, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,575 and $11,728, 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.