Moving from Tacoma, WA to Sparks, NV
It is 693 mi between Tacoma and Sparks β roughly 14h 7m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
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
| Tacoma | Sparks | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 101.014 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 89.274 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 96.271 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 123.478 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.1% moving from Tacoma to Sparks β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Sparks run about 9.1% pricier β ZHVI $493,840 β $529,283 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Sparks -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 6.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 8.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.7Β°F vs 53.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 6.8 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, SPARKS, NV US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 109,106 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $86,979 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.64 |
Household income lines up β $83,857 vs $86,979 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sparks MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,990 | $45,200 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 30,330 | $42,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,210 | $30,270 |
| Management Occupations | 21,700 | $97,370 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,500 | $36,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Nevada
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nevada'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Sparks average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Sparks sees only 8.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Nevada after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Sparks?
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 does the job market in Sparks compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,540 in the Sparks MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 254,100 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Sparks compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $529,283 in Sparks vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 7.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Sparks, NV from Tacoma, WA?
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.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Sparks?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $86,979 in Sparks vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 3.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sparks more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sparks is 9.1% lower than Tacoma (101.014 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· Sparks, NV.