Moving from Tacoma, WA to Cleveland, OH
Cross-country relocations like Tacoma, WA β Cleveland, OH cover 2423 mi and about 42h 43m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2423 mi Β· 42h 43m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 93.923, putting Cleveland roughly 15.5% below Tacoma on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cleveland: 15.5% below Tacoma on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 33.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 15.5% between Tacoma and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2423 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 Cleveland compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 76.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 53.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 2423 mi and the route typically takes 42h 43m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 15.5% lower than Tacoma (93.923 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Cleveland, OH.