Are you considering a move to Tacoma, Washington, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Tacoma, Washington is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Tacoma, Washington and help you understand whether $3862 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5192.9.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
72.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.0 $ |
|
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Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
6.0 $ |
|
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
5.0 $ |
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Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.65 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.92 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.98 $ |
|
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Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.25 $ |
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
5.37 $ |
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Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.06 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
11.95 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
14.52 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
17.89 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
5.72 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
1.65 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
5.37 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
5.27 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
2.46 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
2.45 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
3.5 $ |
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.45 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.0 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.3 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
10.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.25 $ |
|
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Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
45.0 $ |
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Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.55 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
60.0 $ |
|
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Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22899.75 $ |
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|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
247.83 $ |
|
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1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
59.38 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
103.33 $ |
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
20.0 $ |
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
12.99 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1206.67 $ |
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International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
20000.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
53.4 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
47.0 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
80.0 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
113.17 $ |
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Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1802.5 $ |
|
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Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1573.39 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
3577.78 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
3075.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
4551.33 $ |
|
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Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
3012.1 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5192.9 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.7 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Tacoma, Washington come to a total of approximately $3862. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1802 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $277 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1060 per month.
Living in Tacoma, Washington appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5192.9. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Tacoma, Washington, you would likely need an income exceeding $5192.9.
In Tacoma, Washington, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5192.9, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Tacoma, Washington is approximately $1802. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1573.39 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Tacoma, Washington can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $838 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
The Tacoma Crime Index by City-Data.com was 508.2 in 2019 compared to the US national average of 270.6. This makes Tacoma twice as dangerous in comparison to the majority of other cities around the nation. As a result, this puts visitors at risk, and caution should be used in certain situations.
If you need public transport, there is Pierce Transit and Sound Transit providing bus and train transit on a limited daily schedule. Additionally, third-party taxis from Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi companies, all run in Tacoma. Taxi and for-hire drivers must get a business license in Tacoma and this includes Lyft drivers. For anyone driving into Tacoma, in 2019 there were 1,626 auto thefts, up from 743.7 in 2018, according to City-Data.com.
Travelers to Tacoma do want to be aware of pickpockets. The following City-Data.com statistics support this: • 1,250 assaults up from 571.7 in 2018 • 1,768 burglaries up from 808.6 in 2018 • 422 robberies up from 193.0 in 2018 • 8,021 thefts up from 3,668 in 2018 Wear outdoors-ready clothing with hiking boots along with a rain jacket to protect your identity if you come in as a tourist. This is the typical PNW fashion and you can easily fit in and better avoid pickpockets. Most locals, including in Seattle, carry personal pocket knives for protective purposes while in the city.
The nearby Mount Rainier is actually an active volcano that is likely to erupt at any time. The mountain is easily visible from many places in Tacoma and reachable within a 1.5-hour drive southeast of the city. If this happens, the city will be covered in mud due to lahars and debris flows, wiping everyone out. Otherwise, based on its location in Puget Sound, Tacoma is not at risk for tsunamis or flooding. Mudslides from too much rain are more likely to cause natural disasters. Also, the occasional deep and heavy slow fall on the Cascade Mountain Range covers Tacoma and shuts down the city. Earthquakes are also a threat to Tacoma, where the historical activity is 1,372 percent greater than the national average.
For travelers and locals alike, Tacoma is seeing an uptick in its mugging risk. This is because of the following statistics by City-Data.com: • Burglaries 1,768 up from 808.6 in 2018 • Robberies 422 up from 193.0 in 2018 • Thefts 8,021 up from 3,668 in 2018 You are more likely to experience personal theft or be burglarized, rather than personally robbed while in Tacoma.
In terms of acts of terrorism, the city does not experience a lot of rioting or international terroristic activities. However, the rates of arson were 91 in 2019, an increase from 41.6 in 2018. The nearby Joint Base Fort Lewis-McChord is only 9.1 miles south of Tacoma. Also, the US Military provides local jobs and resources through service in the US National Guard.
If you are concerned about being involved in a scam while in Tacoma, there are a few areas of theft to contend with: • Auto thefts are 1,626 up from 743.7 in 2018 • Thefts are 8,021 up from 3,668 in 2018 However, if you stay socially distanced and minimize contact with individuals and business owners, you reduce the risk of being scammed.
Women who travel alone in Tacoma want to be aware of the latest City-Data.com crime statistics for 2019: • Burglaries are 1,768 up from 808.6 in 2018 • Murders are 16 up from 7.3 in 2018 • Rapes are 160 up from 73.2 in 2018 These statistics are not gendered specific, but they indicate that traveling alone would be less safe for a woman in this city.
According to Tap Safe, Tacoma tap water was last composed in 2014. Now, from 2018 to September 2021, the Tacoma Water Division has had zero violations. Tap water is safe to drink, but purification at home is recommended.
To visit Tacoma from another country for an extended period, you will need a US Visa. This includes students at colleges in Tacoma, such as Tacoma Community College, who are from out of the country. To get a visa, visit the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. The Visa Wizard will determine which visa you need to visit Tacoma, Washington.
The currency used throughout Tacoma is the US Dollar. In addition, you want to bring a combination of digital currency, such as a debit card or credit card. Some places post the pandemic are no longer able to use cash and/or provide correct change as a result of the coin shortage. Avoid using traveler’s cheques. If you must use them, many currency exchanges and financial institutions including credit unions and Western Union services cash these in Tacoma.
The Pacific Northwest is renowned for having wet rainy weather for more months of the year than most US states. The only rainforest in the Continental US is in the neighborhood here. Tacoma weather is mild and features few winds with steady rain throughout the year. Temperatures average at 50 degrees, and most residents don’t have central A/C and burn wood thanks to the abundance of local trees.
Tacoma is close to four airports that are accessible for travelers to the city. These include the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that is located in south Seattle and serves international travelers. Also called Sea-Tac, this airport is 15 miles from Tacoma. Seattle Boeing Field is also in Seattle, 20.3 miles from Tacoma, where you can charter private planes for travel. There is also the Tacoma Narrows Airport in Tacoma, but it only has one runway.
If you need travel insurance, travel vaccines, or travel supplies while in Tacoma, there is an outstanding facility available. Passport Health Tacoma near the Tacoma Mall was founded in 2010 to provide comprehensive travel health consultation services. Purchase travel insurance or find out about certifications and vaccinations required for travel to and from Tacoma. They also specialize in travel medicine if you get sick while in Tacoma, or if you need flu shots or other vaccinations while in the US.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 47°F | 50°F | 54°F | 59°F | 65°F | 71°F | 76°F | 77°F | 71°F | 60°F | 51°F | 46°F |
| Temp | 41°F | 43°F | 46°F | 50°F | 55°F | 60°F | 65°F | 65°F | 60°F | 52°F | 45°F | 41°F |
| Low | 38°F | 38°F | 40°F | 43°F | 48°F | 52°F | 56°F | 56°F | 52°F | 47°F | 41°F | 37°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 8°C | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C | 24°C | 25°C | 21°C | 15°C | 10°C | 7°C |
| Temp | 5°C | 6°C | 7°C | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C | 18°C | 18°C | 15°C | 11°C | 7°C | 5°C |
| Low | 3°C | 3°C | 4°C | 6°C | 8°C | 11°C | 13°C | 13°C | 11°C | 8°C | 5°C | 2°C |