Moving from Spokane, WA to Tacoma, WA
The 293 mi from Spokane to Tacoma translate to about 5h 32m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
293 mi Β· 5h 32m by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 395, WA 18 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Bellevue, Renton, Seattle, Kent |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Tacoma is 10.7% higher than Spokane, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Tacoma is 10.7% above Spokane β $395,325 vs $493,840 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 40.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Spokane (49.8Β°F) and Tacoma (53.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.41 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.7% between Spokane and Tacoma (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 does the job market in Tacoma compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 293 mi and the route typically takes 5h 32m via I 90 and US 395. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Tacoma?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 293 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Tacoma more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 10.7% higher than Spokane (111.133 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 24.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 27.5% 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 Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Tacoma, WA.