Moving from Seattle, WA to Tacoma, WA
Relocating from Seattle, WA to Tacoma, WA? The drive is 36 mi β about 52 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
36 mi Β· 52 min by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 705 |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Bellevue, Renton, Kent |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Seattle | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Seattle -2.3%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Seattle | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 40.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Seattle | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.6% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.41 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% β $121,984 β $83,857 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Tacoma, WA from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance is 36 mi and the route typically takes 52 min via I 5 and I 705. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 36 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Seattle vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $121,984 in Seattle β a 31.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Seattle?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $868,680 in Seattle β a 43.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Seattle?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $65,260 in the Seattle MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Seattle.
City profiles: Seattle, WA Β· Tacoma, WA.