Moving from Tacoma, WA to Eugene, OR
Relocating between Tacoma, WA and Eugene, OR is a 253 mi drive β 5h 2m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
253 mi Β· 5h 2m by car Β· WA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 126, I 105 |
| 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 | Eugene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 101.568 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 102.531 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 98.35 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 8.6% moving from Tacoma to Eugene β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Eugene ($473,231) sits close to Tacoma ($493,840) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Eugene -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 40.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.7Β°F vs 53.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, EUGENE MAHLON SWEET AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 177,520 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $63,836 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 35.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 23.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.33 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.6% β $83,857 β $63,836 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Eugene MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,330 | $44,270 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,420 | $30,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,090 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,230 | $40,070 |
| Management Occupations | 10,540 | $93,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Oregon
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oregon'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season peaks July through September east of the Cascades β register for county emergency alerts.
- 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 Oregon after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Eugene?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 253 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 Eugene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,836 in Eugene vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 23.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Eugene, OR from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 253 mi and the route typically takes 5h 2m via I 5 and OR 126. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Eugene compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $473,231 in Eugene vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 4.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Eugene compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,620 in the Eugene MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 155,990 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Eugene more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Eugene is 8.6% lower than Tacoma (101.568 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· Eugene, OR.