Best San Diego to Tacoma Movers

How Much Do San Diego to Tacoma Movers Cost?

Moving 1,230 miles from San Diego, CA to Tacoma, WA will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Tacoma that already have a booked job heading from Tacoma to San Diego. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Tacoma from San Diego entirely empty. If you can find a Tacoma moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper San Diego to Tacoma moving option

Hire local San Diego movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Tacoma movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this San Diego to Tacoma move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top San Diego to Tacoma movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best San Diego, CA to Tacoma, WA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the San Diego to Tacoma moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 32 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the San Diego and Tacoma areas.

From these 32 companies, we analyzed a total of 13,269 reviews dating all the way back to July 2009.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 32 companies and 161 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~13,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 4,103 San Diego to Tacoma moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.).

Hire Trusted Movers

The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every San Diego to Tacoma moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.52/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 8,259 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.17/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 3,000 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.41/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 1,560 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.85/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 3,266 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.49/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 1,135 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.67/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 3,983 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.13/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 4,739 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.28/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 8,274 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.54/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 4,934 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.42/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 917 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.01/10 avg (San Diego & Tacoma combined) from 4,357 reviews

From San Diego to Tacoma: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• La Jolla in San Diego & Browns Point in Tacoma are both known for their upscale waterfront residential, scenic views
• San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood & Tacoma's Ruston both share beaches, waterfront parks, and dining
• If you're moving from Ocean Beach, check out North End in the Tacoma area for the artsy, bohemian vibe and community events
• Do you enjoy North Park's craft breweries and boutique shops? You're sure to love Proctor District
• Move from Hillcrest to Downtown Tacoma and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: LGBTQ-friendly nightlife and diverse eateries
• Mission Hills & Stadium District are both known for their historic homes and hillside city views
• San Diego's Mission Valley neighborhood & Tacoma's South Tacoma neighborhood both have suburban shopping and freeway access
• If you're moving from Point Loma, look into West End for the coastal parks, trails, and military history
• Do you cherish living in Downtown/Gaslamp's bustling nightlife and business district? Move into Downtown Tacoma for something similar
• The similar vibes of Little Italy & Old Town are both known for historic waterfront restaurants and festivals

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Tacoma

ConsSan Diego, CA

• Higher cost of living
• Less rainfall
• Heavy traffic
• Broad beaches

ProsTacoma, WA

• More affordable housing
• Greener landscapes
• Less congestion
• Lush parks

---

Tacoma, WA

• Frequent rain
• Quieter nightlife
• Cooler climate
• Smaller food scene

San Diego, CA

• Warm beaches
• Vibrant nightlife
• Year-round sun
• Diverse dining

Pros of moving from San Diego to Tacoma

• Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from less rainfall and moving to Tacoma with greener landscapes
• Swap the heavy traffic of San Diego for less congestion in Tacoma
• Get ready for lush parks in Tacoma

Cons of moving from San Diego to Tacoma

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the warm beaches in San Diego to live with frequent rain in Tacoma
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of quieter nightlife
• Time to bid farewell to year-round sun and get used to the cooler climate in Tacoma
• Swap diverse dining for a smaller food scene

San Diego vs. Tacoma: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from San Diego to Tacoma, you will be trading the iconic Fish Tacos of San Diego for the equally delicious Dungeness Crab of Tacoma. And while the locals in San Diego rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous California Burrito, Tacoma residents know they have tasty Teriyaki Chicken and Fish & Chips to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pho of Tacoma. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic San Diego eateries like Hodad's, Phil's BBQ, and George's at the Cove. After the boxes are unpacked in Tacoma, don't wait too long before making your way to Tacoma's acclaimed eateries like The Fish Peddler, MSM Deli, and Stanley & Seafort's.

When comparing lifestyles, Tacoma shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than San Diego. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Tacoma compared to what you are used to in San Diego. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Tacoma.

Discover Tacoma Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Tacoma is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old San Diego favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Juniper & Ivy, Phil’s BBQ, and Hodad's in San Diego, we're sure you'll love Over the Moon Café, Texas BBQ, and Shake Shake Shake in Tacoma. See our Tacoma restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished San Diego hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Las Cuatro Milpas, head to Taqueria El Sabor on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between San Diego and Tacoma

• The Spanish Colonial architecture that San Diego is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Tacoma.
• Compared to San Diego's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and modern amenities, Tacoma real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Tacoma is less walkable than San Diego.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Tacoma is more bike-friendly than San Diego.
• Tacoma has less of an urban feel than San Diego.
• Tacoma housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in San Diego, with a median home price of $485,018 compared to San Diego’s $1,021,655.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tacoma have increased 52% compared to a 57% increase in San Diego.
• Rent in Tacoma is 42.5% more affordable than in San Diego.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA

1. Proctor District : You'll love the welcoming atmosphere here, with its walkable streets and access to parks that make it perfect for leisurely strolls with your pet.
2. North End : This area offers an abundance of green spaces and dog-friendly eateries, ensuring that both you and your furry friends can enjoy the neighborhood's lively yet laid-back vibe.
3. Old Town : Known for its picturesque waterfront views and pet-friendly community events, you can enjoy exploring this charming neighborhood with your pets by your side.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between San Diego and Tacoma

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from San Diego to Tacoma. Tacoma gets 47% fewer sunshine days than San Diego.
• Tacoma has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to San Diego.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in San Diego, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanoes in Tacoma.
• The average summer high temperature in Tacoma is 1 degree warmer than in San Diego.
• The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in San Diego.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tacoma. Tacoma receives 28 more inches of rain compared to San Diego.

Financial & Community Snapshot: San Diego and Tacoma

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tacoma tend to earn about 17% less than in San Diego
• The COLI in Tacoma is 17% lower than what you are used to living in San Diego
• Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Tacoma is moderate compared to high in San Diego
• The poverty level is higher in Tacoma compared to moderate in San Diego
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in San Diego and concerning in Tacoma

Political and Religious Climate in San Diego vs. Tacoma

• San Diego tends to lean Democrat in its political climate
• Tacoma, on the other hand, is often described as lean Democrat
• Tacoma's religious environment can be described as mixed, with a presence of diverse <a href="https://associatedministries.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">faith communities</a>
• San Diego's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with notable Christian churches

San Diego vs. Tacoma Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 4% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Tacoma compared to your San Diego commute. That's 520 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Tacoma to be better than it is in San Diego.
• Public transit is less readily available in Tacoma.