Moving from Sparks, NV to Tacoma, WA
Relocating 693 mi from Sparks to Tacoma is a 14h 7m drive through 4 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.
693 mi Β· 14h 7m by car Β· WA β OR β CA β NV
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β CA β NV |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, US 395, OR 58 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sparks | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Tacoma runs about 10.0% more expensive overall than Sparks β RPP 101.014 β 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Tacoma run about 10.0% cheaper β ZHVI $529,283 β $493,840 (2026-03).
YoY change: Sparks -0.5%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sparks | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.4" | 40.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.5Β°F vs 53.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPARKS, NV US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sparks | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,106 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $86,979 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.41 |
Household income lines up β $86,979 vs $83,857 on 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 Nevada 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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter 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 does household income compare in Sparks vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $86,979 in Sparks β a 3.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sparks to Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 693 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 Sparks?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $529,283 in Sparks β a 6.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Sparks, NV?
The driving distance is 693 mi and the route typically takes 14h 7m via I 5 and US 395. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tacoma more expensive than Sparks?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 10.0% higher than Sparks (111.133 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Sparks?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $47,540 in the Sparks MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 254,100 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 Sparks.
City profiles: Sparks, NV Β· Tacoma, WA.