Key factors that influence moving costs from New Haven to Tacomatoggle

The cost of New Haven movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from New Haven to Tacoma might cost just $1,553 for a one-bedroom, but up to $13,604 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in New Haven, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,982 and $5,174, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from New Haven to Tacoma

Moving from New Haven to Tacoma comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tacoma is generally more expensive than New Haven, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

New Haven Tacoma
Average rent cost $2,375 $1,650
Average home value $301,257 $477,289
Average income (per capita) $72,325 $73,341
Cost of living (single person) $2,314 $4,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,876 $7,260
Unemployment rate 9.7% 7.3%
Sales tax 6.35% 10.3%
State income tax 3.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tacoma are 31% lower than in New Haven, 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 New Haven.
    Home prices in Tacoma are 58.4% higher than in New Haven.
  • Income in Tacoma is 1.4% higher than in New Haven, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person in Tacoma is 78.6% higher than in New Haven. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Tacoma, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 23.6% higher than in New Haven.
  • The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 24.74% lower than in New Haven.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tacoma, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tacoma are 62.20% higher than in New Haven.
  • One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in New Haven.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,358.25 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New Haven.

How life is different in New Haven vs. Tacoma

Tacoma New Haven
Population 223,968 135,081
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 54 68
Bike friendliness score 48 66
Crime Index 55.55 58.2
Safety Index 44.45 41.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tacoma is about 66% greater than New Haven, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Tacoma without a car might be more difficult than in New Haven. Tacoma has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas New Haven is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Tacoma neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as New Haven. Based on its score of 54 out of 100, Tacoma isnโ€™t as walkable as New Haven, which has a score of 68 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tacoma, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than New Haven. While New Haven has a bike-friendliness score of 66 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 New Haven. 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 New Haven, 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.
  • The air quality in Tacoma and New Haven is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your New Haven 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

Now that you've made the move to Washington, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Tacoma. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tacoma, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer) and Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from New Haven to Tacoma?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from New Haven to Tacoma?

Because spring and fall moves from New Haven 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 New Haven to Tacoma take?

Covering 2,943 miles, the move from New Haven, CT to Tacoma, WA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some New Haven movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTacoma can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources