Key factors that influence moving costs from Jersey City to Tacomatoggle

The cost of Jersey City movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Jersey City to Tacoma might cost just $1,586 for a one-bedroom, but up to $12,578 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Jersey City, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,789 and $4,579, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Jersey City to Tacoma

Moving from Jersey City 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 Jersey City than in Tacoma, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Jersey City compares to Tacoma so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Jersey City Tacoma
Average rent cost $2,975 $1,650
Average home value $589,419 $477,289
Average income (per capita) $75,265 $73,341
Cost of living (single person) $4,397 $4,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,861 $7,260
Unemployment rate 8.3% 7.3%
Sales tax 6.63% 10.3%
State income tax 10.7% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tacoma are 45% lower than in Jersey City, 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 19.0% lower than in Jersey City.
  • Income in Tacoma is 2.6% lower than in Jersey City, 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 6.0% lower than in Jersey City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 26.4% lower than in Jersey City.
  • The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 12.05% lower than in Jersey City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tacoma, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tacoma are 55.35% higher than in Jersey City.
  • One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Jersey City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,819.88 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jersey City.

How life is different in Jersey City vs. Tacoma

Tacoma Jersey City
Population 223,968 292,449
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 54 87
Bike friendliness score 48 64
Crime Index 55.55 43.21
Safety Index 44.45 56.79
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Tacoma might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 23% less than Jersey City.
  • Getting around Tacoma without a car might be more difficult than in Jersey City. Tacoma has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Jersey City is ranked 9. 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 Jersey City. Based on its score of 54 out of 100, Tacoma isnโ€™t as walkable as Jersey City, which has a score of 87 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 Jersey City. While Jersey City has a bike-friendliness score of 64 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.
  • The crime rate in Tacoma is higher than in Jersey City, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 55.55 in Tacoma, it is 43.21 in Jersey City. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Tacoma. With a crime index of 44.45, Tacoma ranks lower in overall safety than Jersey City, whose index is Jersey City's 56.79. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tacoma has better air quality than in Jersey City. Tacoma has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Jersey City. 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 Jersey City 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Washington, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toTacoma Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Tacoma

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Americaโ€™s #1 Wired City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma to check out.

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 youโ€™re settled into your new home in Washington, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Tacoma has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 Jersey City to Tacoma?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Tacoma?

Because spring and fall moves from Jersey City 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 Jersey City to Tacoma take?

Covering 2,844 miles, the move from Jersey City, NJ to Tacoma, WA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Jersey City movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTacoma can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources