Moving from Meridian, ID to Tacoma, WA
It is a 496 mi drive, roughly 9h 19m, between Meridian, ID and Tacoma, WA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
496 mi Β· 9h 19m by car Β· WA β OR β ID
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, US 395 |
| Major cities en route | Kent, Renton, Seattle, Bellevue, Nampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.0% above Meridian β 98.391 β 111.133 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 13.0% under Meridian β $526,994 β $493,840 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 40.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.41 |
Households in Tacoma earn about 13.0% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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.
Moving between Idaho and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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.
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.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 6.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 496 mi and the route typically takes 9h 19m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Tacoma more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 13.0% higher than Meridian (111.133 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 496 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 Meridian vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 15.0% 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 Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Tacoma, WA.