($1,199+) Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Milwaukee, WI, runs anywhere from $1,139 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,933 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,953, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,933 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,693 - $5,954, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,139 - $3,472.
- 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 $3,911 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 Milwaukee, WI
Moving options from Tacoma to Milwaukee fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,911 - $9,041 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,983 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,953 - $6,571 | $1,693 - $3,055 | $1,139 - $2,360 | $1,568 - $2,693 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,911 - $9,041 | $2,232 - $4,458 | $1,272 - $2,890 | $1,666 - $3,461 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,756 - $12,933 | $2,940 - $5,954 | $1,703 - $3,472 | $2,351 - $4,905 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,983-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with costs ranging from $2,953 - $12,933. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $327 - $2,180. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tacoma and Milwaukee. Local movers in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,953 - $6,571
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,911 - $9,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,756 - $12,933
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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Milwaukee, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $545 - $5,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% 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 coverage35% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs35% 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 items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,090 - $2,725 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $872 - $3,815 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $327 - $1,635 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $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?
Look for Wisconsin Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Wisconsin beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Milwaukee, WI
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $1,693 and $5,954. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Tacoma typically runs around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,693 - $3,055
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,232 - $4,458
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,940 - $5,954
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 $1,693. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,232 - $4,458, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,983 miles from Tacoma, Washington, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, running $1,139 - $3,472. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $1,139 - $2,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,890
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,703 - $3,472
Pro tip: A rental truck from Tacoma to Milwaukee looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,139 - $3,472. But once you factor in fuel ($688 - $786) , overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $688 - $786 for the 1,983-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for about 5 hours typically costs around $763.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,983-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $164 per night, adding $327 - $491 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $327.
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
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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,666 and $3,461.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,568 - $2,693
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,666 - $3,461
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,351 - $4,905
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $763.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $82 and $164 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Milwaukee?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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 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 moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Washington to Wisconsin, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 95 movers in Washington, so you have real options to compare for this 1,983-mile move.
Our take
The 1,983-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Milwaukee, WI, costs between $2,953 and $12,933 with full-service movers, $1,693 - $5,954 with a moving container, and $1,139 - $3,472 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,911 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $2,953 to $12,933, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,953 and $12,933, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,272 - $2,890. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($688 - $786), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $164/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA to Milwaukee, WI?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.