Moving from Eugene, OR to Tacoma, WA
It is a 253 mi drive, roughly 5h 2m, between Eugene, OR and Tacoma, WA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
253 mi Β· 5h 2m by car Β· WA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 126, I 105 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Eugene | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.568 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 102.531 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.35 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Tacoma runs about 9.4% more expensive overall than Eugene β RPP 101.568 β 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Tacoma ($493,840) sits close to Eugene ($473,231) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Eugene -0.3%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Eugene | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 40.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 53.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EUGENE MAHLON SWEET AP, OR US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Eugene | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,520 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $63,836 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.7% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.41 |
Tacoma households earn about 9.4% more than Eugene at the median β $63,836 β $83,857 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tacoma MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tacoma, WA from Eugene, OR?
The driving distance is 253 mi and the route typically takes 5h 2m via I 5 and OR 126. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Eugene vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $63,836 in Eugene β a 31.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tacoma more expensive than Eugene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 9.4% higher than Eugene (111.133 vs 101.568, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Eugene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $46,620 in the Eugene MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 155,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Eugene to Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 253 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Eugene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $473,231 in Eugene β a 4.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Eugene.
City profiles: Eugene, OR Β· Tacoma, WA.