Moving from Bellevue, WA to Tacoma, WA
It is a short 38 mi hop from Bellevue, WA to Tacoma, WA β roughly 55 min behind the wheel. Even at local distance, household costs and housing values can diverge more than the mileage suggests. Below you will find a direct comparison on BEA cost-of-living, Zillow home values, Census demographics, BLS wages, and NOAA climate.
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
| Bellevue | Tacoma | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 111.133 vs 111.133 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
Expect roughly 0.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $1,516,154 to $493,840 moving to Tacoma.
YoY change: Bellevue -2.7%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Bellevue | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 40.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Bellevue (53.2Β°F) and Tacoma (53.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bellevue | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 151,199 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $161,300 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 38.3 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.41 |
Tacoma households earn about 0.0% less than Bellevue at the median β $161,300 β $83,857 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tacoma 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
How much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Bellevue?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $1,516,154 in Bellevue β a 67.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Bellevue?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $65,260 in the Bellevue 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.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Bellevue, 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 Bellevue vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $161,300 in Bellevue β a 48.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Bellevue to Tacoma?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Bellevue.
City profiles: Bellevue, WA Β· Tacoma, WA.