Things to know before moving from Idaho to Tacoma, WA
Cost of living: Idaho vs Tacoma, WA
Idaho | Tacoma | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,061 | $1,650 |
Average home value | $451,520 | $477,289 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,214 | $73,341 |
Unemployment rate | 4% | 7% |
State income tax | 6% | 0% |
Tacoma sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 56% more expensive in Tacoma than in Idaho.
- Home prices are about 6% higher in Tacoma than in Idaho.
- The average income is about 4% higher in Tacoma than in Idaho.
- Tacoma has a higher unemployment rate than Idaho by about 97%.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Tacoma than in Idaho.
How life is different in Tacoma from Idaho
Tacoma | Idaho | |
---|---|---|
Population | 223,968 | 1,964,726 |
Political leaning | Democratic 54-43 | Republican 70-30 |
Summer high | 77ºF | 85ºF |
Winter low | 35ºF | 17ºF |
Annual rain | 41" | 18" |
Annual snow | 4" | 47" |
Crime index | 55.55 | 11.68 |
Tacoma sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Tacoma is approximately 89% lower than the population of Idaho.
- In the last presidential election, Tacoma voted Democratic and Idaho voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Tacoma is 77ºF and in Idaho, it’s 85ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Tacoma reaches the temperature of 35ºF and Idaho gets down to 17ºF.
- You can expect about 41 inches of annual rainfall in Tacoma vs 18 inches of rainfall in Idaho.
- In Tacoma, it snows about 4 inches annually vs 47 inches of snow in Idaho.
- Tacoma has a higher crime rate than Idaho with a crime index of 55.55 vs 11.68.
Things to do in Tacoma
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Tacoma.
Museums in Tacoma
Parks in Tacoma
Sports Teams in Tacoma
Universities in Tacoma
Other considerations when moving to Tacoma, WA
- 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 Washington. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Idaho to Tacoma take?
The time frame for a move from Idaho to Tacoma, WA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Idaho, the longer the drive time to Tacoma will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Tacoma from Idaho can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Idaho to Tacoma?
Because of the 720-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Idaho to Tacoma as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Tacoma, WA?
With the summer highs of 77ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF, most people move to Tacoma from Idaho during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Tacoma during summer or winter.