Moving from Vancouver, WA to Tacoma, WA
Moving from Vancouver, WA to Tacoma, WA covers 134 mi and about 2h 40m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
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
| Vancouver | Tacoma | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Tacoma is 5.4% higher than Vancouver, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Vancouver and Tacoma are within 5% of each other ($509,318 vs $493,840 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Vancouver -0.7%, Tacoma -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Vancouver | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 40.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Vancouver (54.0Β°F) and Tacoma (53.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: VANCOUVER PEARSON AP, WA US, TACOMA #1, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Vancouver | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 192,696 | 220,482 |
| Median household income | $78,156 | $83,857 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 21% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.41 |
Median household income in Tacoma is 5.4% above Vancouver ($78,156 β $83,857, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tacoma MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
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
Is Tacoma more expensive than Vancouver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tacoma is 5.4% higher than Vancouver (111.133 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Vancouver vs Tacoma?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,857 in Tacoma vs $78,156 in Vancouver β a 7.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tacoma, WA from Vancouver, 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 much do homes cost in Tacoma compared to Vancouver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $493,840 in Tacoma vs $509,318 in Vancouver β a 3.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tacoma compare to Vancouver?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA vs $55,940 in the Vancouver MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Vancouver to Tacoma?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Vancouver.
City profiles: Vancouver, WA Β· Tacoma, WA.