Tacoma Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

1. Tacoma: The Data Profile (2026)

Tacoma presents a distinct economic profile for the 2026 remote worker. With a population of 222,932, it operates as a mid-sized urban hub rather than a sprawling metropolis. The city's economic engine is fueled by a median income of $89,107, which sits 19.5% higher than the US median of $74,580. This wage premium is accessible to a highly skilled workforce, evidenced by a college education rate of 35.7%, surpassing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "hybrid affluent"—professionals earning between $85,000 and $120,000 who require proximity to Seattle or Tacoma-based offices 1–2 days per week but seek lower housing costs than the immediate Seattle metro.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While wages are high, the cost of living index reveals a split reality. Housing remains the primary financial burden, priced at 118.0 (an 18.0% premium over the national average). Conversely, core necessities remain accessible; groceries sit at 98.8 and electricity costs are significantly lower at 11.9 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median $89,107 takes home approximately $5,300/month after taxes. With a projected monthly spend of $3,225, the theoretical disposable income is $2,075. However, this margin tightens significantly if housing exceeds the $1,400 threshold for a desirable neighborhood.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the defining metric of Tacoma's value proposition. The gap between buying and renting is narrowing, but the rental market remains highly competitive due to the $1,971/mo fair market rent for a 2-bedroom unit.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting Analysis:
Relative to the national curve, Tacoma is a seller's market with high entry barriers. The median home price of $525,000 requires a significant down payment. However, renting a 1-bedroom unit is 6.5% cheaper than the US average, offering a strategic entry point for remote workers looking to save before buying. For families requiring space, the 23.8% premium on 3-bedroom rentals makes buying the mathematically superior long-term option, provided you can secure financing at current rates.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Tacoma's economy is resilient but influenced by the "Seattle Spillover." The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, slightly above the national average of 4.0%, indicating a tighter job market for local service roles. However, for tech and healthcare professionals, the 19.5% income premium suggests strong demand.

RTO & Commute:
With Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates stabilizing at 2–3 days per week, Tacoma serves as a satellite hub. Commute times to Seattle via Sounder Train average 45–60 minutes, a viable trade-off for the $150,000+ savings on home prices compared to Seattle proper. The transportation cost index of 101.2 reflects this reliance on regional transit and personal vehicles.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Tacoma offers a "Good" health score of 80.4/100, but this masks specific lifestyle risks. The obesity rate is 37.3%, significantly higher than the US average of 31.9%. Conversely, smoking rates are low at 11.9%.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is a mixed bag. Violent crime is statistically average at 372 per 100k (slightly below the US average of 380). However, property crime is a major concern, clocking in at 3,457 per 100k, which is 72% higher than the national average of 2,000. Securing a home with robust security systems is highly recommended.

Air Quality & Weather:
Tacoma excels in air quality with an AQI of 44 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, well below hazardous thresholds. The weather remains "Mostly Cloudy" with current temperatures at 41.0°F, typical for the region.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Earning $89,107 vs $74,580 creates a $14,527 annual wage advantage.
• Air Quality: Exceptional AQI of 44 and low PM2.5.
• Energy Costs: Electricity at 11.9 cents/kWh saves hundreds annually vs national averages.

Cons:

• Property Crime: Extremely high at 3,457/100k.
• Obesity Rates: A health risk factor at 37.3%.
• Housing Premium: Buying costs 29.3% more than the US median.

Recommendation:
Tacoma is a Strong Buy (Tier 2) for 2026. It is best suited for dual-income households or singles earning above $80,000 who can leverage the high median income to offset the 18% housing premium. It is not recommended for retirees or those reliant on fixed incomes due to high property taxes and insurance premiums associated with the housing index of 118.0.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Tacoma in 2026?
For a single person to cover the $3,225 monthly budget and save 15%, a gross salary of at least $70,000 is required. To match the median income lifestyle of $89,107, you need $85,000+.

2. How does Tacoma's value compare to Seattle?
Tacoma is 29.3% cheaper for home purchases ($525k vs $750k+ in Seattle), but rental savings are marginal for 1BR units. The value is in equity building, not immediate cash flow.

3. Is the high property crime rate a dealbreaker?
It is a significant factor. While violent crime is average, the 3,457/100k property crime rate means you must budget for security measures and insurance deductibles.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
Q1 (January–March) offers the lowest rental inventory but best home-buying leverage. Q2 sees a spike in competition. If you have flexibility, target October for lower moving costs and stabilized housing inventory.