($1,612) Movers From Tacoma, WA to Ontario, CA

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Ontario

Moving from Tacoma to Ontario means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tacoma than in Ontario, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Ontario are 59% higher than in Tacoma, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Tacoma.
  Home prices in Ontario are 40.0% higher than in Tacoma.
• Income in Ontario is 2.0% lower than in Tacoma, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
• The cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 40.2% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 20.2% lower than in Tacoma.
• The unemployment rate in Ontario is 5.48% lower than in Tacoma.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Ontario, since the city’s sales taxes in Ontario are 15.05% lower than in Tacoma.
• State income taxes in Ontario are 13.30% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,795.06 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Ontario

• Ontario might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 22% less than Tacoma.
• Getting around Ontario without a car might be more difficult than in Tacoma. Ontario has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Tacoma is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Ontario neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Tacoma. Based on its score of 48 out of 100, Ontario isn’t as walkable as Tacoma, which has a score of 54 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.
• Ontario and Tacoma are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 46 and 48 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.
• Ontario has a lower crime rate than Tacoma based on scores of 50.25 and Tacoma's 55.55, 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 Ontario than in Tacoma, based on Ontario’s safety index of 49.75 versus 44.45 for Tacoma. 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 Ontario and Tacoma 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 Tacoma vs. Ontario move

• Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Ontario without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Ontario

With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Ontario.

Helpful moving resources