Key factors that impact the cost of your Tacoma to Philadelphia move
What to know before moving from Tacoma to Philadelphia
Moving from Tacoma to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tacoma than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Tacoma compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Tacoma | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,650 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $477,289 | $216,914 |
Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $70,746 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,133 | $2,541 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,260 | $6,190 |
Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 10.6% |
Sales tax | 10.3% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 3% higher than in Tacoma, 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 Philadelphia.
Home prices in Philadelphia are 54.6% lower than in Tacoma. - Income in Philadelphia is 3.5% lower than in Tacoma, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
- The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 38.5% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 14.7% lower than in Tacoma.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 45.21% higher than in Tacoma.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the cityโs sales taxes in Philadelphia are 22.33% lower than in Tacoma.
- State income taxes in Philadelphia are 3.07% higher than in Tacoma.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,844.42 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Philadelphia
Philadelphia | Tacoma | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,603,797 | 223,968 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
Walkability score | 75 | 54 |
Bike friendliness score | 67 | 48 |
Crime Index | 66.09 | 55.55 |
Safety Index | 33.91 | 44.45 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Philadelphia is about 616% greater than Tacoma, 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.
- Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than Tacoma, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in Tacoma. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Philadelphia means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tacoma. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than Tacoma, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 54 out of 100 in Tacoma. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Philadelphia is considered more bike-friendly than Tacoma in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, while Tacoma is rated as 48 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Philadelphia is higher than in Tacoma, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 66.09 in Philadelphia, it is 55.55 in Tacoma. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Philadelphia. With a crime index of 33.91, Philadelphia ranks lower in overall safety than Tacoma, whose index is Tacoma's 44.45. 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.
- The air quality in Philadelphia 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. Philadelphia move
- Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโs website is no longer functioning. So if youโre moving within Pennsylvania, youโll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Pennsylvania doesnโt 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 Philadelphia 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. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Philadelphia
With your sights set on "Philly", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
After getting comfortable in your new Pennsylvania home, itโs time to see what Philadelphia is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Philadelphia include museums and art centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Philadelphia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tacoma to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tacoma are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Philadelphia?
With many people choosing to move from Tacoma to Philadelphia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Tacoma to Philadelphia take?
Moving from Tacoma, WA to Philadelphia, PA covers 2,835 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Tacoma movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.