Moving from Tacoma, WA to Spokane Valley, WA
The 304 mi from Tacoma to Spokane Valley translate to about 5h 45m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
304 mi Β· 5h 45m by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, WA 18, US 2 |
| Major cities en route | Kent, Renton, Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Spokane Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
Spokane Valley is 9.7% cheaper than Tacoma overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Spokane Valley is 9.7% below Tacoma ($408,888 vs $493,840 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Spokane Valley +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 17.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Tacoma (53.7Β°F) and Spokane Valley (49.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 105,460 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $70,722 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.47 |
Income steps down 9.7%: $83,857 in Tacoma vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Spokane Valley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,380 | $46,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,780 | $38,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,620 | $44,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,480 | $35,500 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,820 | $95,340 |
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 much do homes cost in Spokane Valley compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $408,888 in Spokane Valley vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 17.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Spokane Valley more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane Valley is 9.7% lower than Tacoma (100.346 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Spokane Valley, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 304 mi and the route typically takes 5h 45m via I 90 and WA 18. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Spokane Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 304 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Spokane Valley compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Spokane Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,722 in Spokane Valley vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 15.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Spokane Valley, WA.