63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
58
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Tacoma wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Tacoma wins 2–1 overall (63/100)
💰 Vancouver is more affordable
💼 Vancouver has lower unemployment
🛡️ Vancouver has fewer disasters
📋 Tacoma vs Vancouver — The Verdict
Tacoma scores 63.8/100 compared to Vancouver's 58.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities.
💡 Key Differences
💵
Households in Tacoma earn $5,459 more per year (7% higher median income).
🌬️
Tacoma has cleaner air with an AQI 39 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$415,300
$403,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,489
$1,525
Median Income
$79,085
$73,626
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 3% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
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)
18 Good
57 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Tacoma wins on air quality with an AQI 39 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
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.
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Tacoma to Vancouver: Common Questions
Is Tacoma or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Vancouver is more affordable overall. Home prices are $11,900 lower in Vancouver. Monthly rent is $1,489 in Tacoma vs $1,525 in Vancouver.
Does Tacoma or Vancouver have better weather?
Tacoma scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Tacoma or Vancouver better for finding a job?
Vancouver currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.7% in Tacoma vs 4.7% in Vancouver. Median household income is $79,085 in Tacoma and $73,626 in Vancouver.
Which city is safer — Tacoma or Vancouver?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Vancouver is safer. Tacoma has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Vancouver. Tacoma scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Vancouver.
Should I move from Tacoma to Vancouver?
Based on our data, Tacoma scores 63.8/100 vs Vancouver's 58.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Vancouver 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.