Moving from Tacoma, WA to Colorado
If you're moving from Tacoma to Colorado, you're looking at a 1,367-mile haul — far enough that picking the wrong mover or misjudging the budget can derail the whole thing before you hit I-90. This guide gives you real cost ranges, the top-rated Tacoma movers for this run, and an honest comparison of what life looks like on the other side.
Local moving companies in Tacoma
Out of 63 Tacoma-area movers with interstate capabilities, here are the five that stand out for a move to Colorado.
- Mountain Moving & Storage — 4.58 / 5
- All Ready Moving & Storage — 4.52 / 5
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.56 / 5
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC — 4.56 / 5
- PNW Moving and Delivery — 4.48 / 5
Mountain Moving & Storage
9413 47th Ave SW Bldg 14 Suite E, Lakewood, WA 98499
84% positive | 12% negative | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
Sixty-two years in business. That's not a marketing claim — that's a company that's had to stay competent to survive. Across 179 reviews, 84% were positive, with customers consistently highlighting efficient crews and careful handling. Where Mountain stumbles is communication when problems arise — a few damage claims dragged out without satisfactory resolution. Still, their overall track record sits well above regional average.
State license: 885643 | DOT: 885643
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Accepts cash and credit card. DOD certified.
Phone: (800) 249-2414
All Ready Moving & Storage
1690 Marine View Dr., Suite D, Tacoma, WA 98422
92% positive | 6% negative | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
A 92% positive rate across 95 reviews is the highest on this list. Customers point to friendly crews, efficient packing, and solid communication from booking to delivery. The minority complaints cluster around pricing surprises and occasional careless handling on more complex jobs. In my experience, that positive rate at a meaningful sample size is a reliable signal. If pricing clarity matters to you — and it should — ask them to walk through the estimate line by line before you sign.
DOT: 2083124
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.
Phone: (360) 507-2447
Olympic Moving & Storage Inc.
7010 150th St SW #102, Lakewood, WA 98439
81% positive | 16% negative | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: A+
122 years in operation — genuinely rare. Their 136-review breakdown shows 81% positive, with customers noting professional crews, transparent pricing, and smooth execution. The 16% negative reviews follow a familiar pattern: estimates that didn't match final bills and damage claims that were slow to resolve. A slightly lower satisfaction floor than All Ready, but their longevity and A+ BBB rating suggest they're not a fly-by-night operation.
State license: 1809 | DOT: 586615
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.
Phone: (877) 547-7173
A2B Moving & Storage, LLC
4230 B St NW, Auburn, WA 98001
83% positive | 15% negative | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: B-
A2B has 433 pieces of feedback — one of the larger review samples in the region. Over 80% positive, with repeat customers citing quick crews, courteous service, and pricing that comes in under budget. The BBB B- is the lowest rating on this list, and damage claims that went unresolved show up in the negatives more than I'd like. That's worth factoring in. For straightforward moves with standard household goods, A2B performs consistently. For high-value or fragile items, you'd want to ask specifically about their claims process before committing.
State license: 1941425 | DOD certified
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Accepts money order and credit card.
Phone: (206) 419-5748
PNW Moving and Delivery
2112 109th St S Suite 203, Tacoma, WA 98444
90% positive | 9% negative | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB: C+
Nine years in business, 90% positive across 241 reviews. Customers regularly call out efficient crews, careful handling, and moves that came in under the estimated time. The complaints — under 10% — mostly involve property damage or scheduling issues. The C+ BBB grade is lower than I'd prefer, but the raw volume and consistency of customer feedback is hard to argue with. PNW earns its spot here.
State license: 2919585 | DOT: 2919585
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.
Phone: (253) 237-4291
Local moving services in Tacoma, WA
A quick snapshot of specialty service availability among Tacoma movers:
| Service | Available |
|---|---|
| Interstate | 48 (76%) |
| Small moves | 23 (37%) |
| Antiques | 38 (60%) |
| Art | 38 (60%) |
| Pianos | 48 (76%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 7 (11%) |
If you need custom crating — for artwork, antiques, or anything that doesn't pack well into standard boxes — 48 local movers offer it. Ask about crate construction, padding materials, and lead time when you're getting quotes.
Cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Colorado
Before calling any mover, run your numbers through the calculator to get a personalized baseline. Here's how costs typically shake out by home size and service type on this 1,367-mile route:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,284 – $5,280 | $858 – $2,127 | $836 – $1,582 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,191 – $7,356 | $1,534 – $3,130 | $886 – $1,737 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,439 – $10,167 | $2,105 – $4,207 | $1,039 – $2,209 |
Estimates based on pricing data for a 1,367-mile move from Tacoma, WA to Colorado, updated January 2026. Final cost depends on move size, access conditions, added services, fuel rates, and scheduling.
Cost to hire movers from Tacoma to Colorado
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,284–$5,280. Two- to three-bedroom homes typically run $3,191–$7,356. A four-bedroom or larger — budget $5,439–$10,167. The upper end of each range reflects full-service movers who handle packing, loading, transport, and unpacking at the destination.
Cost of moving containers from Tacoma to Colorado
Moving containers are a middle-ground option: you pack at your own pace, the company hauls the unit to Colorado. Studio or one-bedroom runs $858–$2,127. Two- to three-bedroom: $1,534–$3,130. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,105–$4,207. Good fit if your schedule is flexible and you don't want to drive a truck.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Colorado
Rental trucks are the cheapest option on paper — studio or one-bedroom runs $836–$1,582, two- to three-bedroom is $886–$1,737, and four-plus bedrooms runs $1,039–$2,209. Those estimates include fuel. What they don't include is the reality of driving a 26-foot truck over mountain passes. That tradeoff is real, and not everyone wants to take it on.
Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to CO
A few variables that move the needle more than people expect:
- Move size: A studio costs a fraction of a four-bedroom move at every service level. Downsizing before the move saves money in direct proportion.
- Time of year: Summer demand drives rates up across every category. Fall and winter moves typically come with more pricing flexibility.
- DIY vs. professional: Handling it yourself saves money upfront but takes time, physical effort, and carries real risk on a cross-country haul.
What you should know before moving from Tacoma to CO
Washington has no state income tax. Colorado charges 5.49%. That's one of the most concrete financial changes you'll experience after this move. Before you finalize anything, run the full cost-of-living comparison below — the overall picture is more nuanced than the tax line alone suggests.
Compare cost of living: Tacoma vs. Colorado
| Tacoma, WA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,650 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $477,289 | $541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 123 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
Tacoma sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Colorado sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
- Rent is nearly identical between the two, so your month-to-month housing budget doesn't need a major overhaul.
- Home prices in Colorado run about 13% higher than Tacoma. If you're buying, plan accordingly.
- Salaries in Colorado average 19% higher than Tacoma — which can more than offset the income tax hit for many earners.
- Overall cost of living is roughly 26% lower in Colorado than Tacoma. That's meaningful, and it tends to surprise people.
- Unemployment in Colorado is 44% lower than in Tacoma, which matters if you're relocating without a job secured.
- State income tax: You'll lose 5.49% of your income to Colorado that Washington was never collecting. Factor that into your post-move budget math.
How life is different in Tacoma, WA vs. Colorado
| Tacoma, WA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (54–43) | Democrat (54–46) |
| Summer high | 77°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 41″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 55.55 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, AirNow.
- Summers are warmer in Colorado — 86°F vs. Tacoma's 77°F. More sunshine, more outdoor options, and air conditioning you'll actually use.
- Winters are genuinely colder. Colorado bottoms out at 13°F vs. Tacoma's mild 35°F. Budget for heating and get proper winter gear before January hits.
- Rain drops sharply — from 41 inches a year in Tacoma to 16 inches in Colorado. Most people coming from the Pacific Northwest consider this an upgrade.
- Snow tells a different story. Colorado averages 63 inches a year; Tacoma gets 4. If you're heading near the mountains, that number climbs higher. Be ready for it.
- Crime is meaningfully lower in Colorado, with an index of 36.4 versus Tacoma's 55.55.
- Politically, both areas lean Democrat — not much daylight between them.
Other considerations when moving to Colorado
A few things that tend to catch people off guard on this move:
- HOA rules: Some communities restrict which days or times you can move in. Confirm with your HOA before you book the truck.
- Elevator reservation: Most multi-story buildings require advance scheduling for move-day elevator access. Don't assume availability.
- Truck parking permits: Some Colorado cities require permits for oversized vehicles parked on public streets. Check with your destination city.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate movers in Colorado. Verify your mover's license before signing a contract — it takes five minutes and can save you serious grief.
- No moving permit required: Colorado doesn't require a formal moving permit, but local parking rules still apply.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before the move. Set the start date to match your move date so nothing falls through.
- Moving insurance: Every licensed mover must offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but coverage is capped at $0.60 per pound per item, which won't come close to replacing anything valuable. Full Value Protection costs more but actually covers repair or replacement. For anything high-value, ask about third-party insurance before moving day, not after something breaks.
- Moving checklist: Use the MoveFinders moving checklist to make sure you've covered the logistics before, during, and after the move.
Things to do in Colorado
Once you're settled, Colorado doesn't leave you short on options.
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQ
How long does a move from Tacoma to Colorado take?
Typically three to eight days, depending on the service type and time of year. Summer moves can stretch toward the longer end as carriers juggle heavier demand. Ask for a written delivery window — not just a verbal estimate — before you sign anything.
Can I find movers that build custom crates in Tacoma?
Yes. Forty-eight movers in the Tacoma area offer custom crating, which is the right call for artwork, antiques, or anything fragile that doesn't pack safely in standard boxes. When requesting quotes, ask about crate materials, interior padding, and how much lead time they need.
What is the best way to get a car from Tacoma to Colorado?
Ship it. Driving a second vehicle 1,367 miles while coordinating a household move is the kind of stress that compounds fast. Use the car shipping calculator to estimate costs, or browse top-rated auto transport companies for the Washington-to-Colorado route.
Why are people moving from Tacoma to Colorado?
Mostly economics and lifestyle. Colorado's job market is stronger — unemployment is nearly half of Tacoma's — incomes run higher, and the overall cost of living is lower despite higher home prices. The outdoor recreation angle (skiing, hiking, climbing) is a legitimate draw for people who feel limited by what the Pacific Northwest offers.
Where can I find long-distance moving companies in Tacoma?
The five movers listed above are a solid starting point. For a broader comparison of vetted long-distance movers, including national carriers that service this route, that's where I'd look next.
Can I pay cash for my move from Tacoma to Colorado?
About 18 Tacoma movers accept cash payments, but it's the exception rather than the rule. Most companies prefer credit card, ACH, or cashier's check — partly for their own recordkeeping, partly so there's a paper trail if a dispute comes up. Confirm the deposit amount, payment timing, and accepted methods before you book.
Compare quotes from multiple movers before committing — on a 1,367-mile move, a little upfront research pays for itself fast. Use the calculator to get your baseline, then reach out to two or three companies from the list above for real numbers.