47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Tacoma wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Tacoma wins 1–4 overall (63/100)
💰 Tacoma is more affordable
💼 Tacoma has lower unemployment
🛡️ Tacoma has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Tacoma — The Verdict
Tacoma scores 63.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Tacoma has a clear edge with home prices 50% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Tacoma has a notably lower disaster history with 45 fewer declarations in 20 years. Tacoma may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Tacoma are 50% lower — a difference of $407,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Tacoma saves you $302/month — that's $3,624 per year.
📊
Tacoma has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Tacoma has experienced 45 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$415,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,489
Median Income
$76,244
$79,085
The affordability gap is significant — Tacoma offers home prices 50% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $407,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.7%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Tacoma having a slight edge at 4.7% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
18 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
9
Tacoma has a markedly lower disaster history — 45 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Tacoma: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Tacoma is more affordable overall. Home prices are $407,300 lower in Tacoma. Monthly rent is $1,489 in Tacoma vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Tacoma have better weather?
Tacoma scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Tacoma better for finding a job?
Tacoma currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.7% in Tacoma. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $79,085 in Tacoma.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Tacoma?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tacoma is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Tacoma. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tacoma.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Tacoma?
Based on our data, Tacoma scores 63.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Tacoma is more affordable, while Tacoma has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.