Moving from Tacoma, WA to Thornton, CO
Relocating 1306 mi from Tacoma to Thornton is a 22h 43m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1306 mi Β· 22h 43m by car Β· WA β OR β ID β UT β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID β UT β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Kent, Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Nampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 111.133 vs 105.782 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $493,840 vs $502,945.
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Tacoma (53.7Β°F) and Thornton (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Thornton averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.88 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.8% β $83,857 β $100,985 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Thornton more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 4.8% lower than Tacoma (105.782 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1306 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Thornton, CO from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 1306 mi and the route typically takes 22h 43m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 1.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 20.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 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· Thornton, CO.