Moving from Tacoma, WA to Vancouver, WA
The 134 mi from Tacoma to Vancouver translate to about 2h 40m 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.
134 mi Β· 2h 40m by car Β· WA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 205, WA 16 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Hillsboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Vancouver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 111.133 to 105.421, putting Vancouver roughly 5.1% below Tacoma on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $493,840 vs $509,318 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Vancouver -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 37.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TACOMA #1, WA US, VANCOUVER PEARSON AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 192,696 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $78,156 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 5.1%: $83,857 in Tacoma vs $78,156 in Vancouver.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Vancouver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
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
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Vancouver?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 134 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Vancouver more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Vancouver is 5.1% lower than Tacoma (105.421 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Vancouver compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Vancouver MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Vancouver compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $509,318 in Vancouver vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 3.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Vancouver, WA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 134 mi and the route typically takes 2h 40m via I 5 and I 205. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Vancouver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,156 in Vancouver vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 6.8% lower 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 Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Vancouver, WA.