Best overall value
Key factors that influence moving costs from Cleveland to Tacoma
What to know before moving from Cleveland to Tacoma
Moving from Cleveland to Tacoma comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tacoma is generally more expensive than Cleveland, 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:
| Cleveland | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,295 | $1,650 |
| Average home value | $108,509 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,490 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,729 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Tacoma are 27% higher than in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland.
Home prices in Tacoma are 339.9% higher than in Cleveland. - Income in Tacoma is 12.9% higher than in Cleveland, 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 66.0% higher than in Cleveland. 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 7.9% higher than in Cleveland.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 7.35% higher than in Cleveland.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tacoma, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tacoma are 28.75% higher than in Cleveland.
- One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Cleveland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,979.52 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cleveland.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Tacoma
| Tacoma | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,968 | 372,624 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 57 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 55.55 | 63.41 |
| Safety Index | 44.45 | 36.59 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Tacoma might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 40% less than Cleveland.
- Getting around Tacoma without a car might be more difficult than in Cleveland. Tacoma has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Cleveland is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Tacoma to be about as walkable as Cleveland. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 54 and 57 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tacoma, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Cleveland. While Cleveland has a bike-friendliness score of 52 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.
- Tacoma has a lower crime rate than Cleveland based on scores of 55.55 and Cleveland's 63.41, 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 Cleveland, based on Tacomaโs safety index of 44.45 versus 36.59 for Cleveland. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Tacoma has better air quality than in Cleveland. Tacoma has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 regulationsโsome 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Washington, though it\โs 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 youโve chosen "Americaโs #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
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 Cleveland to Tacoma?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Cleveland to Tacoma. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Cleveland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Tacoma?
Because spring and fall moves from Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Tacoma take?
Covering 2,420 miles, the move from Cleveland, OH to Tacoma, WA typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Cleveland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTacoma can help bridge the gap.
