Moving from Omaha, NE to Tacoma, WA
Moving from Omaha, NE to Tacoma, WA is a 1675 mi cross-country relocation β about 29h 9m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1675 mi Β· 29h 9m by car Β· NE β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane, Bellevue |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Tacoma runs 20.9% higher than Omaha β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (91.911 β 111.133, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tacoma is 20.9% above Omaha β $294,189 vs $493,840 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Omaha (51.3Β°F) and Tacoma (53.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Tacoma is 20.9% above Omaha ($72,708 β $83,857, 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.
Moving between Nebraska 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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Tacoma more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 20.9% higher than Omaha (111.133 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1675 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 67.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 1675 mi and the route typically takes 29h 9m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 15.3% higher 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Tacoma, WA.