Moving from Tacoma, WA to Clovis, CA
It is 893 mi between Tacoma and Clovis β roughly 17h 17m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
893 mi Β· 17h 17m by car Β· WA β OR β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 99, I 80 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Clovis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 102.158 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 161.01 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 95.725 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Clovis at 102.158 vs Tacoma at 111.133.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.1% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Clovis 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 98Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 11.0" |
Annual temperature rises 11.3Β°F moving to Clovis per NOAA normals.
Clovis gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Clovis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 122,719 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $100,360 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.99 |
Households in Clovis earn about 8.1% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clovis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,600 | $45,210 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,930 | $38,480 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 35,500 | $32,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 33,440 | $33,710 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 32,010 | $59,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Clovis average 98Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Clovis sees only 11.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Clovis, CA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 893 mi and the route typically takes 17h 17m via I 5 and CA 99. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Clovis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 893 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 Tacoma vs Clovis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,360 in Clovis vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 19.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Clovis more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clovis is 8.1% lower than Tacoma (102.158 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Clovis compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $521,708 in Clovis vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 5.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Clovis compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,530 in the Clovis MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 408,820 and 2,079,090 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 Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Clovis, CA.