Key factors that influence moving costs from Dayton to Tacomatoggle

The cost of Dayton movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Dayton to Tacoma might cost just $1,653 for a one-bedroom, but up to $13,118 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Dayton, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,568 and $4,040, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Dayton to Tacoma

Moving from Dayton to Tacoma comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tacoma is generally more expensive than Dayton, 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:

Dayton Tacoma
Average rent cost $925 $1,650
Average home value $135,815 $477,289
Average income (per capita) $62,673 $73,341
Cost of living (single person) $1,593 $4,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,788 $7,260
Unemployment rate 6.8% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.3%
State income tax 3.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tacoma are 78% higher than in Dayton, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Dayton.
    Home prices in Tacoma are 251.4% higher than in Dayton.
  • Income in Tacoma is 17.0% higher than in Dayton, 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 159.4% higher than in Dayton. 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 91.7% higher than in Dayton.
  • The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 7.35% higher than in Dayton.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tacoma, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tacoma are 37.33% higher than in Dayton.
  • One perk of moving to Tacoma is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Dayton.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,783.43 in Tacoma to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.

How life is different in Dayton vs. Tacoma

Tacoma Dayton
Population 223,968 137,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 54 45
Bike friendliness score 48 47
Crime Index 55.55 4.0
Safety Index 44.45 40.68
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Tacoma is about 63% greater than Dayton, 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.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Tacoma will be about the same as it currently is in Dayton. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Living in Tacoma means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Dayton. Tacoma is considered more walkable than Dayton, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 45 out of 100 in Dayton. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • Tacoma and Dayton are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 48 and 47 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • The crime rate in Tacoma is higher than in Dayton, 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 4.0 in Dayton. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • Tacoma is generally as safe as Dayton, 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.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Tacoma has better air quality than in Dayton. Tacoma has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Dayton. 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 Dayton 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

After settling into your new Washington home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tacoma has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Dayton to Tacoma?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Tacoma?

Because spring and fall moves from Dayton 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 Dayton to Tacoma take?

Covering 2,372 miles, the move from Dayton, OH to Tacoma, WA typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Dayton movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTacoma can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources