Key factors that influence moving costs from Chula Vista to Tacomatoggle

The cost of Chula Vista movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Chula Vista to Tacoma might cost just $1,498 for a one-bedroom, but up to $9,131 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Chula Vista, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $976 and $2,330, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Chula Vista to Tacoma

Moving from Chula Vista to Tacoma means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chula Vista than in Tacoma, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chula Vista compares to Tacoma so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chula Vista Tacoma
Average rent cost $3,100 $1,650
Average home value $844,142 $477,289
Average income (per capita) $92,913 $73,341
Cost of living (single person) $7,167 $4,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $12,120 $7,260
Unemployment rate 7.9% 7.3%
Sales tax 8.75% 10.3%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tacoma are 47% lower than in Chula Vista, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tacoma.
    Home prices in Tacoma are 43.5% lower than in Chula Vista.
  • Income in Tacoma is 21.1% lower than in Chula Vista, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tacoma include Joint Base Lewis-McChord, MultiCare Health System, and State of Washington.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 42.3% lower than in Chula Vista. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 40.1% lower than in Chula Vista.
  • The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 7.59% lower than in Chula Vista.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tacoma, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tacoma are 17.71% higher than in Chula Vista.
  • One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chula Vista.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,730.01 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chula Vista.

How life is different in Chula Vista vs. Tacoma

Tacoma Chula Vista
Population 223,968 275,487
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 54 46
Bike friendliness score 48 41
Crime Index 55.55 56.3
Safety Index 44.45 43.7
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Tacoma might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 19% less than Chula Vista.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Tacoma will be about the same as it currently is in Chula Vista. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Living in Tacoma means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chula Vista. Tacoma is considered more walkable than Chula Vista, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Chula Vista. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tacoma is considered more bike-friendly than Chula Vista in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, while Chula Vista is rated as 41 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tacoma as Chula Vista. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Tacoma is generally as safe as Chula Vista, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tacoma has better air quality than in Chula Vista. Tacoma has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Chula Vista. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Chula Vista vs. Tacoma move

  • Weather: Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Tacoma. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Tacoma

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Americaโ€™s #1 Wired City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tacoma.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central
  • Eastside-Enact
  • North End
  • Northeast Tacoma
  • West End

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North End
  • West End

Things to do in Tacoma

After settling into your new Washington home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tacoma has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tacoma is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the LeMay - America's Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, Washington State History Museum, and Tacoma Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer) and Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chula Vista to Tacoma?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chula Vista to Tacoma. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chula Vista.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chula Vista to Tacoma?

Because spring and fall moves from Chula Vista to Tacoma are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Chula Vista to Tacoma take?

Covering 1,232 miles, the move from Chula Vista, CA to Tacoma, WA typically takes two to eight days. Some Chula Vista movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTacoma can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources