How Much do Movers Cost in Tacoma WA? 2026 Guide
Summary: Depending on the amount of property you need to move, your move type and how far your destination is, the average move in Tacoma WA can cost between $199 – $14,231. Local moves are typically between $250-$7,452 while long distance moves can range between $3,546 – $14,231.
At Lincoln Moving and Storage, our full service moves range in cost from between $150-$180 an hour for two men and a truck. Visit our Tacoma moving company page to learn more about our service, and read on to learn more about how moving company pricing is structured in Tacoma WA.
How Much Do Local Movers Cost in Tacoma?
Local moves can cost between $301-$5,000 if you are moving within Tacoma. A local move is usually considered a move where a customers destination is within 15-55 miles of where the job starts.
| Move Size | Cost Range |
| Studio | $301 – $921 |
| 1 bedroom | $423 – $1,145 |
| 2 bedrooms | $967 – $1,934 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,079 – $2,653 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,634 – $5,000 |
What are the contributing factors to the cost?
The factors that contribute to the end cost of your local move are generally
- The amount of movers needed to complete your job
- Time of the year
- The time it takes to complete. (Usually local moves take between 2-3 hours)
- The additional services you select for your move like packing, assembly or dissasembly
How Much do Long Distance Moves Cost in Tacoma?
Long distance moves can cost between $900-$8,000. A long distance move is one where your destination is outside of a 55 mile radius of Tacoma.
| Move Size | Cost Range |
| Studio | $900 – $1,500 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,023 – $1,945 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,567 – $2,934 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,775 – $3,253 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,634 – $8,000 |
What are the Contributing Factors to the Cost?
The factors that contribute to the end cost of your long distance move are generally
- The amount of movers needed to complete your job
- Time of the year
- The distance from the starting point of your move (Moves to Portland will generally cost less than moves to San-Francisco)
- The additional services you select for your move like packing, assembly or dissasembly
- You may need to pay a fuel surcharge
How Much do Commercial Movers Cost in Tacoma?
Commercial moves can cost between $2,000-$30,253. A commercial move is a type of move that involves relocating a business, like a storefront or office. Movers can also ship large items for labs or manufacturing companies as well.
| Move Size | Cost Range |
| Single office | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Medium sized office | $5,000 – $21,000 |
| Large office | $15,000 – $30,434 |
| Commercial store-front | $7,775 – $30,253 |
What are the contributing factors to the cost?
The factors that contribute to the end cost of your commerical move are generally
- The amount of movers needed to complete your job
- The distance from the starting point of your move to your destination
- The additional services you select for your move like packing, assembly or dissasembly
- The size of the items you need moved. If specialty equipment is needed to move industrial manufacturing equipment, then costs may raise due to the need for extra man-power or larger trucks
How Much do International Moves Cost in Tacoma?
International moves can cost between $2,000-$40,000. An international move is one that takes a mover, or just their property, outside of the country.
| Move Size | Cost Range |
| Personal relocation | $2,000 – $21,000 |
| Property relocation | $2,000 – $18,000 |
| Business relocation | $25,000 – $40,434 |
What are the contributing factors to the cost?
The factors that contribute to the end cost of your international move are generally
- The amount of movers needed to complete your job
- The distance from the starting point of your move to your destination
- The additional services you select for your move like packing, assembly or dissasembly
- The size of the items you need moved.
- Customs costs and other paperwork that your mover may handle on your behalf
- Rate of a move manager who personally oversees your move and helps you through the process
How much do military or PCS moves cost in Tacoma?
Military moves, or PCS moves, usually follow the same rate as their residential moving counterparts. For example, a local PCS move cost between $301-$5,000 if you are moving within Washington to a base like Joint Base Lewis-McChord or Naval Station Everett.
Rates for members of the military are often discounted by moving companies, and usually the military member themselves will be reinbursed on the cost of their job by their commanding office.
| Move Size | Cost Range |
| Local/on base moves | $301 – $5,621 |
| Out of state | $723 – $8,545 |
| International | $2,000 – $20,634 |
What are the contributing factors to the cost?
The factors that contribute to the end cost of your military move are generally
- The amount of movers needed to complete your job
- The time it takes to complete. (Usually local moves take between 2-3 hours)
- The additional services you select for your move like packing, assembly or dissasembly
- Distance between where your move starts and your destination
- The amount your commanding office reimburses you for
What is the cheapest day to hire movers?
The cheapest days to hire movers are usually in the middle of the week like Tuesday Wedensday or Thursday. These are typically less popular days to move since most people need to work. Moving companies will usually charge less to move people in the middle of the week because they need to pay their movers regardless of if they have jobs. Charging a little less to keep their teams working is a good trade-off for them and for you as well if you can make that time in the middle of the week.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are usually the most expensive times to move since they are the most convenient times to move for the average person.
What Seasons or time of the year are least expensive to move?
Summer is the most expensive time to move and winter is the cheapest. 60%-70% of all moves that take place in the US happen during the summer, so if you can avoid that relocation rush, you can save thousands!
What items will two men and a truck not move?
Anything that is too large for two men to handle or too dangerous. This could be things like
- Living things like pets
- Flammable or explosive items
- Corrosive items like car batteries
- Industrial equipment like large saws
- Perscription drugs
If you’re planning on moving some sensitive or possibly dangerous items its a good idea to ask your mover if they can handle those items or not before brining someone out for an estimate.
Is $100 a good tip for movers?
It would be a very good tip, but be aware, your movers are paid for their time on your job and in no way are you ever expected to provide a tip for their work. It’s our privilege to serve you, and the rate you pay to have your job completed is always enough to show your appreciation for a job well done.
The best way to thank your movers is by leaving a positive review naming the individuals who made your move a success.
FAQ
What are the Best Subreddits to follow when Planning a Move in Tacoma?
The best place to start is r/Tacoma, where locals talk about neighborhoods, events, and what’s going on around the city. For specific questions, try r/AskTacoma, a Q&A community built for people who are new to town or just curious about Tacoma and the greater metro area.
You can also check r/Washington, which has kept a pinned “Moving Here” thread for questions about cost of living, weather, and where to live in the state.
What are the Best Ways to Save Money on your Move?
Pick a moving date in the middle of the week and the middle of the month, and try to avoid the busy summer season if you can. Before you pack – sell, donate, or toss anything you don’t need, since fewer items means less time and a lower bill.
You can also save by packing some or all of your boxes yourself and getting quotes from a few licensed movers so you can compare prices.
Can you Negotiate on the Price of your Move?
Yes, many moving companies are open to talking about price, especially if your dates are flexible or you’re moving during their slower season.
It helps to get written estimates from a few licensed movers so you can compare them and ask if one company can match or come closer to another’s offer. You can also lower the cost by changing what’s included, like packing some boxes yourself or moving on a less busy day.
How Can I Estimate the Cost of My Move in Tacoma Before Calling a Moving Company?
There are several online moving cost calculators you might want to try:
But there really is no better way to get an accurate moving estimate than calling a moving company. Usually, estimates are free so if you’re planning a move, don’t be shy about calling around to a few moving companies and asking them for a ballpack estimate based on a description of your job.
