Moving from Tacoma, WA to Bellevue, WA
Relocating from Tacoma, WA to Bellevue, WA? The drive is 38 mi β about 55 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.
38 mi Β· 55 min by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 405, I 705 |
| Major cities en route | Kent, Renton, Seattle, Everett |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Bellevue | 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 |
Tacoma and Bellevue sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $493,840 in Tacoma to $1,516,154 in Bellevue, a 0.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Bellevue -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 37.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.7Β°F vs 53.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 3.8 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 151,199 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $161,300 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 38.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.46 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% β $83,857 β $161,300 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Bellevue 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
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Bellevue?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 38 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 Bellevue compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,516,154 in Bellevue vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 207.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Bellevue, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 38 mi and the route typically takes 55 min via I 5 and I 405. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Bellevue?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $161,300 in Bellevue vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 92.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Bellevue compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Bellevue MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma 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 Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Bellevue, WA.