Top-rated local movers that handle Madison to Tacoma moves
When planning a move from Madison to Tacoma, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Madison who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Madison to Tacoma.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Tacoma?
Movers in Wisconsin charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,242 – $4,746 | $1,177 – $2,828 | $1,052 – $2,176 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,325 – $7,274 | $1,997 – $4,224 | $1,186 – $2,539 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,185 – $11,311 | $2,734 – $5,691 | $1,496 – $3,077 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Tacoma
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Tacoma, you can expect to spend between $1,242 and $4,746. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,325 to $7,274 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to Tacoma typically runs between $6,185 and $11,311.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Tacoma
When moving from Madison to Tacoma, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,177 and $2,828. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,997 to $4,224. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,734 up to $5,691. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Tacoma
Renting a moving truck in Madison is usually your cheapest option to get to Tacoma. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,052 and $2,176. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,186 and $2,539. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,496 and $3,077.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Madison to Tacoma
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,468, but larger homes can run up to $9,935.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Madison.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,052–$2,753) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about 80% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $7,260 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 0.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Madison to Tacoma, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 30% higher in Tacoma than in Madison.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 17% higher in Tacoma compared to Madison, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person is 80% more than in Madison. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Tacoma, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 33% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 121% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 87% higher in Tacoma than in Madison. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Madison with Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Madison | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Madison vs. Tacoma
| Madison | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 48 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 17% less than Madison.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Madison, making them very similar.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Madison with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 55.55 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 44.45 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Washington doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tacoma smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tacoma
Now that you’ve chosen America’s #1 Wired City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Eastside-Enact
- North End
- Northeast Tacoma
- West End
Best neighborhoods for families
- North End
- West End
Things to do in Tacoma
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it’s time to see what Tacoma is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tacoma offers cultural landmarks like the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Tacoma?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Tacoma are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Tacoma?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Tacoma are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Tacoma take?
A move of 1,937 miles from Madison, WI to Tacoma, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Madison sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tacoma is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Madison offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Madison have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
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