Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to Los Angelestoggle

The cost of Tacoma movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Tacoma to Los Angeles can be as low as $1,560 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,155.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $890 to $2,178. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Los Angeles

Tacoma Los Angeles
Average rent cost $1,650 $2,960
Average home value $477,289 $2,368,088
Average income (per capita) $73,341 $74,993
Cost of living (single person) $4,133 $1,319
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,260 $4,770
Unemployment rate 7.3% 10.6%
Sales tax 10.3% 9.5%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Los Angeles are 79% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Home prices in Los Angeles are 396.2% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Los Angeles is 2.3% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 68.1% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 34.3% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 45.21% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Sales taxes in Los Angeles are 7.77% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Los Angeles are 13.30% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $957.42 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Los Angeles

Los Angeles Tacoma
Population 3,820,914 223,968
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 69 54
Bike friendliness score 59 48
Crime Index 53.81 55.55
Safety Index 46.19 44.45
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Los Angeles's population is about 1,606% greater than Tacoma.
  • Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Tacoma's higher score of 6.
  • Los Angeles is more walkable than Tacoma with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Los Angeles's crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 53.81 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
  • Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 46.19 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
  • Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Tacoma it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma vs. Los Angeles move

  • Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Los Angeles. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Los Angeles

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Angels", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Echo Park
  • Los Feliz
  • Playa Del Rey
  • Silver Lake
  • Westwood

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Brentwood
  • Eagle Rock
  • Mar Vista
  • Playa Vista
  • Studio City

Things to do in Los Angelestoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Los Angeles has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Los Angeles?

The best time to move from Tacoma to Los Angeles is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tacoma.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Los Angeles?

Because most people are moving from Tacoma to Los Angeles in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Tacoma to Los Angeles take?

The 1,104-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Los Angeles, CA, takes two to eight days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.

Helpful moving resources

Tacoma moving services

Popular Washington routes

Popular moving resources