Best Tacoma to Anchorage Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Tacoma to Anchorage and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,299 mile move from Washington to Alaska go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Tacoma to Anchorage moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is John Volken Academy Movers), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Tacoma compared to Anchorage. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Tacoma to Anchorage Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | 9.65 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | First Due Movers | 9.25 | 9.06 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | People Movers | 9.16 | 9.54 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 4 | The Moving Man | 7.80 | 8.91 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Air Van Moving | 6.80 | 6.98 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Anchorage to Tacoma guide.
Compare the 5 Best Tacoma to Anchorage Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
John Volken Academy Movers
921 Central Ave N
Kent, WA, 98032
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2261169 / 1666977 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200 (2015) |
First Due Movers
8126 304th Ave SE
Preston, WA, 98050
About First Due Movers
First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington...
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1990914 / 865709 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 205,000 (2022) |
People Movers
11808 NE 160th St
Bothell, WA, 98011
About People Movers
People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2895681 / 1597195 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2023) |
The Moving Man
550 W 54th Ave
Anchorage, AK, 99518
About The Moving Man
The Moving Man is a family-owned and operated full-service moving company based in Anchorage, Alaska since 1992. Their service area includes...
Services
- Local Residential Moving
- Local Commercial Moving
- Out-of-State Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 807379 / 359080 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 55,000 (2018) |
Air Van Moving
209 Post Rd
Anchorage, AK, 99501
About Air Van Moving
Air Van Moving is a professional moving company that is based in Alaska and the Northwest. Whether it is across town,...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial and Office Moving
- Long-Distance Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 125012 / 118474 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Tacoma vs. Anchorage Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison to help you identify similarities between Tacoma, WA & Anchorage, AK neighborhoods. This guide will serve as a bridge, connecting you with a piece of home in your new city.
| Tacoma | Anchorage | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| North End | South Addition | Historic homes, community feel |
| Proctor District | Rogers Park | Vibrant local businesses, walkable |
| Old Town | Bootleggers Cove | Waterfront views, historic area |
| Hilltop | Mountain View | Diverse community, revitalization |
| Stadium District | Turnagain | Large homes, green spaces |
| Central | Midtown | Urban living, centrally located |
| Eastside | Russian Jack Park | Parks, residential areas |
| West End | Bayshore/Klatt | Serene suburban, close to nature |
| South Tacoma | Dimond South | Affordable, family-friendly |
| 6th Ave | Spenard | Eclectic shops, arts scene |
If you're a fan of Portland Avenue Park or Jefferson Park in the North End of Tacoma, you'll find a similar embrace of nature in South Addition's Delaney Park or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides taking in Anchorage's scenic beauty. Enjoying the bustling local businesses and cozy cafes of Tacoma's Proctor District? Then you'll adore the charm and walkability of Rogers Park in Anchorage, where local gems like Spenard Roadhouse offer a taste of the local culinary scene. Moreover, if the waterfront and historic vibes of Old Town Tacoma captivate you, Bootleggers Cove in Anchorage will not disappoint with its spectacular Cook Inlet views and access to cultural landmarks like the Anchorage Museum. Embracing your new city doesn't mean leaving behind what you loved about your old one; it's about discovering those familiar comforts in new surroundings.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Tacoma to Anchorage
Moving from one city to another can be a life-altering decision. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage, AK . By juxtaposing the cons of leaving Tacoma against the pros of moving to Anchorage, and vice versa, we hope to give you a balanced view of what to expect from this significant change.
Tacoma, WA- Milder winters
- More urban
- Warmer summers
- Diverse dining options
Anchorage, AK- Stunning landscapes
- Rich wildlife
- Outdoor adventures
- Smaller community
Anchorage, AK- Harsh winters
- Remote location
- Higher cost of living
- Fewer daylight hours
Tacoma, WA- Vibrant arts scene
- Diverse communities
- Rich history
- Waterfront views
Moving to Anchorage from Tacoma, while it might mean leaving behind Tacoma's vibrant arts scene, diverse restaurants like En Rama, and historical sites like the Washington State History Museum, offers a chance to immerse yourself in breathtaking natural beauty, a tight-knit community, and unique outdoor experiences. Anchorage's stunning landscapes, from the Chugach Mountains to the waters of Cook Inlet, provide an unparalleled backdrop for your new life. The city's smaller size fosters a sense of community and belonging that's hard to find in larger urban areas. Although Anchorage does have longer, colder winters, the opportunity for winter sports and witnessing the Northern Lights more than compensates for the chill. And with unique dining experiences at places like Marx Bros. Cafe, you won't miss out on culinary adventures. In essence, this move could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with adventures and visuals that you've only dreamed of.
Tacoma vs. Anchorage Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Tacoma, WA, and Anchorage, AK, providing a snapshot of what the food scene is like in these two locations. As food plays a vital role in the local culture and lifestyle, understanding these differences can help you better adapt to your new home.
| Tacoma | Anchorage | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pacific Northwest Seafood | Alaskan Salmon |
| Most popular meat dish | Teriyaki Chicken | Reindeer Sausage |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | King Crab Legs |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Pho | Seitan Steak |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Tacoma, you'll find a strong affinity for Pacific Northwest seafood, with a variety of fish and shellfish being central to the local diet. Teriyaki chicken, reflecting the city's diverse culinary influences, has become a staple meat dish among locals. For those seeking plant-based options, Tacoma offers an excellent selection of vegan pho which showcases the city's innovative approach to international cuisine. Exploring neighborhoods like the Proctor District or Downtown Tacoma will lead you to some of the city's most iconic restaurants, such as Engine House No. 9 and The Swiss Restaurant & Pub, offering a taste of the local food scene. Meanwhile, Anchorage's culinary landscape is deeply influenced by its proximity to some of the richest fishing waters and vast wilderness areas, with Alaskan salmon and reindeer sausage standing out as local favorites. Anchorage is also known for its unique takes on vegan options, offering dishes like seitan steak. Notable dining spots such as Snow City Cafe and Glacier Brewhouse provide an immersive experience into Anchorage's food culture, rich in local flavors and ingredients.
Tacoma vs. Anchorage Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This comparison aims to ease the transition from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage, AK by matching your favorite eateries to new spots where you can continue to enjoy fantastic meals. Whether you're seeking high-end dining, casual eats, or unique foodie experiences, this guide will help you find your new go-to spots in Anchorage.
| Tacoma | Anchorage | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Indochine Asian Dining Lounge | Ginger | Offers pan-Asian fusion cuisine in a similar upscale setting. |
| The Table | Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill | Known for its fine dining experience and attention to culinary details. |
| En Rama | The Crow's Nest | Features expertly crafted cocktails and inventive dishes. |
| Duke's Seafood | Orso | Offers high-quality seafood dishes with a local twist. |
| Moshy's | Tommy's Burger Stop | Both serve hearty American comfort food with a unique flair. |
| Over the Moon Café | Snow City Café | Cozy atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes. |
| Marzano Italian Restaurant | Aladdin's Fine Mediterranean | Though focusing on Mediterranean cuisine, it offers an intimate dining experience similar to Marzano. |
| Doyle's Public House | McGinley's Pub | Provides a similar lively pub atmosphere and range of hearty eats. |
| Metropolitan Market | New Sagaya's Midtown Market | Both are gourmet markets offering a wide variety of unique and high-quality food products. |
| Boathouse 19 | The Rustic Goat | Offers a blend of casual dining with a sophisticated menu, similar ambiance near the water. |
For those who cherish the vibrant flavors and innovative atmosphere of Tacoma's dining scene, Anchorage provides an exciting array of options that mirror the culinary diversity and quality. The Ginger, paralleling Tacoma’s Indochine Asian Dining Lounge, brings to Anchorage a sophisticated pan-Asian fusion, offering a blend of flavors from across the continent in an upscale setting. Fans of the laid-back but premium experience at Doyle's Public House will find a new haven in McGinley's Pub, where the convivial atmosphere and extensive menu of hearty dishes make it a perfect spot for social gatherings or a casual meal. Additionally, transitioning from the Italian culinary delights of Marzano Italian Restaurant to Aladdin's Fine Mediterranean in Anchorage exemplifies how diverse culinary traditions can provide similarly intimate and delightful dining experiences, albeit with different cultural flavors. This guide aims to make your culinary journey in Anchorage as enriching and comforting as your experiences in Tacoma.
Ready to start your move?
Tacoma vs. Anchorage Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate plays a crucial role in relocation decisions. Understanding how Tacoma and Anchorage compare in terms of housing cost, architecture, walkability, and other housing-related aspects is essential for making an informed decision. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences and similarities.
| Comparison | Tacoma | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian and Craftsman | Log Cabin and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Views, Garages, Large Kitchens | Views, Storage Space, Energy Efficiency |
When comparing the cost of living between Tacoma and Anchorage, you'll find that the median home prices and monthly rents are slightly higher in Tacoma. This relates closely to Tacoma's vibrant urban lifestyle, scoring higher in urban lifestyle, bikeability, and walkability. However, Anchorage boasts unique architectural styles reflecting its natural surroundings, such as log cabin designs, and places a stronger emphasis on energy efficiency in homes. The difference in popular real estate listing items suggests that Tacoma residents value aesthetics and practicality like large kitchens, while Anchorage residents focus on storage and energy efficiency, likely due to colder climates and the need for additional space for outdoor gear.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Anchorage, AK
1. South Addition: Known for its quiet streets and proximity to Delaney Park Strip, giving your pets a sprawling green space for daily walks and exercise.
2. Turnagain: Offers easy access to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail where you and your pet can enjoy breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and encounter wildlife, perfect for active pets.
3. Rogers Park: This neighborhood is a peaceful area with a strong community vibe and several nearby dog parks, making it great for socializing your pets and meeting fellow pet owners.
Tacoma vs. Anchorage Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage, AK, it's crucial to compare the weather patterns you're accustomed to with those you'll experience in your new home. Understanding the differences in climate can help you prepare for changes in average temperatures, sunshine days, humidity, UV index, air quality, and seasonal allergies between these two cities.
Tacoma, WA
Anchorage, AK
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Tacoma, WA
Anchorage, AK
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Tacoma, WA
Anchorage, AK
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Tacoma, WA
Anchorage, AK
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Tacoma | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, floods | Earthquakes, avalanches |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Tacoma to Anchorage, you'll find a significant difference in the winter temperatures, where Anchorage's winters are far colder and longer. There's also a substantial increase in snowfall from Tacoma's 6 inches annually to Anchorage's 75 inches. Such considerable changes can impact your day-to-day life, requiring different clothing, home heating solutions, and potentially different modes of transportation. The difference in annual rainfall is also noteworthy, with Anchorage receiving less than half the rain Tacoma does. Adjusting to these changes can take time, but with preparation, you can enjoy the unique weather Anchorage has to offer.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tacoma to Anchorage
If you're moving, understanding how the cost of living and financial aspects compare between Tacoma and Anchorage is crucial. This comparison sheds light on what to expect regarding income, taxes, and living expenses, ensuring you can plan your finances effectively.
| Comparison | Tacoma | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $77,141 | $86,654 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109.5 | 128.4 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.3 | 0 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Warehousing, Construction | Oil, Health Services, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
When comparing Tacoma and Anchorage, it's evident that while Anchorage boasts a higher average household income, it also comes with a higher cost of living. Despite both cities having no state income tax, Anchorage benefits from a 0% average sales tax, significantly reducing the daily living expenses on goods and services. However, the cost of housing proves to be higher in Anchorage, reflected in its slightly higher average property tax. The top industries in both cities differ, indicating varied job opportunities based on local economies. This financial snapshot helps you gauge the economic environment you're moving into, from income potentials to living costs.
Tacoma vs. Anchorage Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Tacoma, WA, to Anchorage, AK, it's crucial to understand the communities you're leaving and entering. This quick comparison aims to give you a snapshot of the politics and religion between Tacoma & Anchorage , offering insights into the political leanings, local governance, and religious landscape of each city.
| Tacoma | Anchorage | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Moderately conservative |
| Local Politics | Democrat-dominated city council | Mixed; leans Republican |
| Religion | Diverse; significant non-religious population | Diverse; higher evangelical presence |
While Tacoma is known for its liberal leanings and a Democrat-dominated city council, Anchorage presents a more politically diverse environment with a slight conservative edge and a mixed local governance. Also, though both cities boast religious diversity, the religious spectrum in Anchorage tends to have a higher evangelical presence compared to Tacoma's significant non-religious population. Understanding these nuances can help you adapt more seamlessly to your new community.
Tacoma vs. Anchorage Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage, AK requires adjusting to many changes, including how you may commute daily. This guide aims to offer a clearer perspective by comparing the traffic and transportation options between Tacoma & Anchorage , ensuring you better understand what your daily travel might look like.
| Comparison | Tacoma | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 29 | 19 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | With difficulty | Challenging |
Both Tacoma and Anchorage offer unique challenges and advantages when it comes to daily commutes. In Tacoma, the average commute time is significantly higher than in Anchorage, reflecting Tacoma's busier roadways and higher traffic congestion. Although Tacoma has slightly better public transit availability, navigating the city without a car can still be difficult. Anchorage poses its challenge, with fewer public transit options making it challenging to get by without a car, despite having lower average commute times and traffic congestion. Considering these factors is crucial for planning your move and daily life in your new city.
Additional Resources
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