How Much Does It Cost to Move in Washington State?
Washington State moving costs vary dramatically between Seattle and eastern Washington. Seattle metro local moves average $1,300. Spokane and eastern WA run $800–950. Long-distance moves — particularly Seattle to Texas or California — average $5,100.
Average Moving Costs in Washington — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $1,150 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $5,100 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $58/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $130/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in Washington
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($58/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense Washington cities can add $50–150.
Washington Moving Cost by City
Washington's largest moving markets are Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue, Olympia. Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages above.
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Bellevue
- Olympia
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How much does it cost to move locally in Washington?
Local moves in Washington average $1,150 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $58/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from Washington cost?
Long-distance moves to or from Washington average $5,100 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in Washington?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $130/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in Washington?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in Washington. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in Washington are most expensive for moving?
Seattle and Spokane typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is Washington gaining or losing residents?
Washington is currently roughly flat on net migration.