54
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Tacoma wins 2–2 overall (63/100)
💰 Tacoma is more affordable
💼 Tacoma has lower unemployment
🛡️ Tacoma has fewer disasters
📋 Seattle vs Tacoma — The Verdict
It's a close call — Seattle (54.8/100) and Tacoma (63.8/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Tacoma has a clear edge with home prices 53% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Tacoma has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years. Tacoma may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Tacoma are 53% lower — a difference of $464,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Tacoma saves you $456/month — that's $5,472 per year.
💵
Households in Seattle earn $36,983 more per year (47% higher median income).
🛡️
Tacoma has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$879,900
$415,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,945
$1,489
Median Income
$116,068
$79,085
The affordability gap is significant — Tacoma offers home prices 53% lower than Seattle, translating to $464,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
4.7%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
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)
14
9
Tacoma has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Seattle to Tacoma: Common Questions
Is Seattle or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Tacoma is more affordable overall. Home prices are $464,600 lower in Tacoma. Monthly rent is $1,489 in Tacoma vs $1,945 in Seattle.
Does Seattle or Tacoma have better weather?
Tacoma scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Seattle or Tacoma better for finding a job?
Tacoma currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.7% in Seattle vs 4.7% in Tacoma. Median household income is $116,068 in Seattle and $79,085 in Tacoma.
Which city is safer — Seattle or Tacoma?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tacoma is safer. Seattle has had 14 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Tacoma. Seattle scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tacoma.
Should I move from Seattle to Tacoma?
Based on our data, Tacoma scores 63.8/100 vs Seattle's 54.8/100 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 4, 2026.