Key factors that influence moving costs from Jackson to Tacoma
What to know before moving from Jackson to Tacoma
Moving from Jackson to Tacoma comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tacoma is generally more expensive than Jackson, itโs 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:
Jackson | Tacoma | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,170 | $1,650 |
Average home value | $68,872 | $477,289 |
Average income (per capita) | $57,848 | $73,341 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,969 | $4,133 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,990 | $7,260 |
Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 7.3% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.3% |
State income tax | 4.7% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 41% higher than in Jackson, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Jackson.
Home prices in Tacoma are 593.0% higher than in Jackson. - Income in Tacoma is 26.8% higher than in Jackson, 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 109.9% higher than in Jackson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tacoma, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 45.5% higher than in Jackson.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 5.19% lower than in Jackson.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tacoma, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tacoma are 28.75% higher than in Jackson.
- One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Jackson.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,297.11 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jackson.
How life is different in Jackson vs. Tacoma
Tacoma | Jackson | |
---|---|---|
Population | 223,968 | 153,701 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 2 |
Walkability score | 54 | 26 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 33 |
Crime Index | 55.55 | 82.38 |
Safety Index | 44.45 | 17.62 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Tacoma is about 46% greater than Jackson, 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.
- Tacoma offers better access to buses and trains than Jackson, based on public transportation ratings. Tacoma has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 2 in Jackson. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Tacoma means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Jackson. Tacoma is considered more walkable than Jackson, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 26 out of 100 in Jackson. A cityโs 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 Jackson 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 Jackson is rated as 33 out of 100.
- Tacoma has a lower crime rate than Jackson based on scores of 55.55 and Jackson's 82.38, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tacoma than in Jackson, based on Tacomaโs safety index of 44.45 versus 17.62 for Jackson. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Tacoma and Jackson 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 Jackson 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Washington doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tacoma. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tacoma
Ready to relocate to "Americaโs #1 Wired City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in Washington, itโs time to get out and discover what Tacoma has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Tacoma features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer) and Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Tacoma?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Jackson to Tacoma. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Jackson.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jackson to Tacoma?
Because spring and fall moves from Jackson 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 Jackson to Tacoma take?
Covering 2,544 miles, the move from Jackson, MS to Tacoma, WA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Jackson movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTacoma can help bridge the gap.