Key factors that influence moving costs from Aurora to Tacoma
What to know before moving from Aurora to Tacoma
Moving from Aurora 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 Aurora than in Tacoma, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Aurora compares to Tacoma so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Aurora | Tacoma | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,850 | $1,650 |
Average home value | $476,793 | $477,289 |
Average income (per capita) | $72,052 | $73,341 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,033 | $4,133 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,320 | $7,260 |
Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 7.3% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.3% |
State income tax | 5.49% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 11% lower than in Aurora, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
- Home prices are the same in Tacoma and Aurora.
- Income in Tacoma is 1.8% higher than in Aurora, so you could earn more 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 17.9% lower than in Aurora. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Tacoma and Aurora.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 3.95% lower than in Aurora.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tacoma, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tacoma are 28.75% higher than in Aurora.
- One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Aurora.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,463.54 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Aurora.
How life is different in Aurora vs. Tacoma
Tacoma | Aurora | |
---|---|---|
Population | 223,968 | 386,261 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 54 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 53 |
Crime Index | 55.55 | 59.05 |
Safety Index | 44.45 | 40.95 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Tacoma might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 42% less than Aurora.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Tacoma will be about the same as it currently is in Aurora. 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 youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Aurora. Tacoma is considered more walkable than Aurora, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in Aurora. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tacoma, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Aurora. While Aurora has a bike-friendliness score of 53 out of 100, Tacoma earned a 48. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tacoma as Aurora. 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 80โ100.
- Tacoma is generally as safe as Aurora, 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 Aurora. Tacoma has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Aurora. 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 Aurora 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 "Americaโs #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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tacoma has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Aurora to Tacoma?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Aurora to Tacoma. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Aurora.
When is the cheapest time to move from Aurora to Tacoma?
Because spring and fall moves from Aurora 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 Aurora to Tacoma take?
Covering 1,335 miles, the move from Aurora, CO to Tacoma, WA typically takes three to eight days. Some Aurora movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTacoma can help bridge the gap.