Moving from Tacoma, WA to Yonkers, NY

A 2858 mi cross-country move between Tacoma and Yonkers is 51h 7m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 12 states. Nearly every household line β€” rent, taxes, climate, commute β€” usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.

2858 mi Β· 51h 7m by car Β· WA β†’ ID β†’ MT β†’ SD β†’ MN β†’ WI β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH β†’ PA β†’ NJ β†’ NY

COL +1.3% Home values +37.7% Ξ” -0.3Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2858 mi
Drive time
51h 7m
States
12
Fuel (25 mpg)
114 gal
Route throughWA β†’ ID β†’ MT β†’ SD β†’ MN β†’ WI β†’ IL β†’ IN β†’ OH β†’ PA β†’ NJ β†’ NY
Primary highwaysI 90, US 14, SD 79
Major cities en routeKent, Renton, Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

TacomaYonkersU.S. avg
All items (RPP)111.133112.563100.0
Rents92.814127.018100.0
Goods103.972110.261100.0
Services151.314148.616100.0

Tacoma and Yonkers 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

Tacoma β€” typical home
$493,840
Yonkers β€” typical home
$680,218
Tacoma β€” typical rent
$1,766/mo
Yonkers β€” typical rent
$2,747/mo

Zillow ZHVI climbs from $493,840 in Tacoma to $680,218 in Yonkers, a 1.3% increase on the typical home value.

YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsTacomaYonkers
Annual avg temperature54Β°F53Β°F
January avg low37Β°F23Β°F
July avg high77Β°F86Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”32.7"
Annual precipitation40.8"51.2"

Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β€” 53.7Β°F vs 53.4Β°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Significant snow at the destination: Yonkers sees 32.7 in a year on NOAA normals β€” budget for winter gear and plowing.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023TacomaYonkers
Population220,482209,529
Median household income$83,857$81,816
Median age37.339
Bachelor's degree or higher21%19.6%
Avg household size2.412.6

Household income lines up β€” $83,857 vs $81,816 on ACS 5-year 2023.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Tacoma MSA β€” median wage
$65,260
Yonkers MSA β€” median wage
$59,390
Tacoma MSA β€” employment
2,079,090
Yonkers MSA β€” employment
9,495,240

Top occupations in Yonkers MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 1,165,200 $50,760
Sales and Related Occupations 806,590 $46,160
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 755,900 $44,800
Healthcare Support Occupations 755,280 $37,670
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 725,930 $100,940

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Washington and New York

Washington income tax
no state income tax
New York income tax
10.9% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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 20–30% 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.
  • Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
  • Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β€” check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
  • I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β€” check SD 511 November through April.
  • I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β€” check MnDOT 511.
  • Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β€” check 511wi.
  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
  • Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β€” check 511NY.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Winter gear first: Yonkers averages 32.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • Pack rain gear on top: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • 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 New York after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Tacoma?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $493,840 in Tacoma β€” a 37.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How far is Yonkers, NY from Tacoma, WA?

The driving distance is 2858 mi and the route typically takes 51h 7m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Yonkers?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2858 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 Tacoma vs Yonkers?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $83,857 in Tacoma β€” a 2.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Yonkers more expensive than Tacoma?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 1.3% higher than Tacoma (112.563 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Yonkers compare to Tacoma?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 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· Yonkers, NY.

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