Moving from Tacoma, WA to Gilbert, AZ
It is 1444 mi between Tacoma and Gilbert β roughly 27h 29m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1444 mi Β· 27h 29m by car Β· AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NV β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 93, I 84, US 97 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Gilbert at 103.316 vs Tacoma at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | β |
Expect 17.7Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.96 |
Gilbert households earn about 7.0% more than Tacoma at the median β $83,857 β $121,351 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 44.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 1444 mi and the route typically takes 27h 29m via US 93 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1444 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Gilbert more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 7.0% lower than Tacoma (103.316 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 15.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Gilbert, AZ.