Tacoma, WA, US
Seattle's gritty neighbor with no state income tax, cheaper housing, and Mount Rainier views.
Overview
Tacoma is a city in WA with a population of 219,346. Seattle’s gritty neighbor with no state income tax, cheaper housing, and Mount Rainier views. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Sunshine is limited, with about 142 sunny days a year.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Tacoma vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 10.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $62,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 219,346
Climate
- Sunny Days: 142/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 35°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $450,000
- 1BR Rent: $1500/mo
Cost of Living
Tacoma's cost of living index is 112.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Tacoma | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 112.5 | 100 | +12.5% |
| Housing | 128.4 | 100 | +28.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $300 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tacoma:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $100 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $54 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $70 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $40 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $319 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Tacoma scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Tacoma has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 35°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 50°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 53°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Tacoma faces the following natural hazards:
Cascadia subduction zone with major earthquake risk.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Mountainous and coastal regions with landslides.
Cascade Range with frequent avalanches.
River flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 10.2%
- Property Tax: ~1.03% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Tacoma per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Tacoma is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA, US?
The cost of living index in Tacoma is 112.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Tacoma?
The median home price in Tacoma is $450,000. The housing index is 128.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tacoma is approximately $1500/mo.
Does Tacoma, WA have income tax?
Tacoma is in WA, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Tacoma?
Tacoma enjoys approximately 142 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.