What are the hidden costs of living in Tacoma?

Higher property taxes and insurance due to older infrastructure Utilities tend to be above state average because of HVAC costs in older buildings Occasional maintenance costs for shared facilities and older public spaces

What is the median home price in Tacoma?

The median home price in Tacoma is approximately $534,500.

Tacoma has a Walk Score of 81 out of 100. It is considered very walkable.

Tacoma, WA

Updated May 1, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Think twice

Verdict

$535K

Median Price

81/100

Walk Score

6.3/10

Schools

60 min

to Seattle, WA

Score Breakdown

FAffordability

15/100

DQuietness

40/100

D+Commute

55/100

D+Safety

55/100

CSchools

63/100

B+Walkability

81/100

WYLT Score52/100

Our Take

Tacoma offers great walkability and public transit, but the cost of living far outpaces median income. Crime rates and unemployment are higher than average, making it a tougher place for families and buyers. Renters may find the high rents burdensome, so careful budgeting is needed.

Map

Loading map…

The Good

✓Very walkable with many shops and services within a 10‑minute walk
✓Excellent public transit and bike lanes for commuters
✓Diverse community with a mix of cultures and languages
✓Good access to waterfront parks and outdoor recreation

Real Talk

!Median home price is 9 times median household income, which is steep for buyers
!Unemployment rate around 9% and crime stories suggest higher risk than many nearby neighborhoods
!Monthly rent of $1,385 is high relative to median income, tightening renter budgets
!Noise and traffic can be a daily nuisance in denser parts of the district
$Higher property taxes and insurance due to older infrastructure
$Utilities tend to be above state average because of HVAC costs in older buildings
$Occasional maintenance costs for shared facilities and older public spaces

Best For

Young professionalsUrban commutersWalkersDiversity seekers

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow

Violent crimeModerate

Property crimeModerate

Air qualityGood

Price volatilityHigh

Crime & Safety

Tacoma, WA

D+

Safety grade

Safety score55 / 100

High riskVery safe

⚠️Violent Crime

Moderate

3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (3.7)11+

5% higher than the national average

🔒Property Crime

Moderate

19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

Verify with real-time data

AreaVibes crime →City-Data stats →NeighborhoodScout →

Rates are estimated from neighborhood characteristics using national FBI baselines. Actual figures vary by block — always verify with local sources before making decisions.

Similar Neighborhoods

Think twice

Austin

Austin, TX

$610K · 7.3/10 schools

Good for now

Logan Square

Logan Square, IL

$538K · 6.9/10 schools

Good for now

Chicago

Chicago, IL

$496K · 6.9/10 schools

Good for now

River North

River North, IL

$496K · 6.9/10 schools

From Residents

🏘

Loading…

Know someone considering this area? Send them this report.

wouldyoulivethere.com/report/tacoma-wa-98402

📬

Stay in the loop on Tacoma

Get one email when this report refreshes (~every 90 days). No spam.