Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to Arlingtontoggle

The cost of Tacoma movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Tacoma to Arlington can be as low as $1,774 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 14,929.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,779 to $4,979. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Arlington

Moving from Tacoma to Arlington comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Arlington is generally more expensive than Tacoma, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tacoma Arlington
Average rent cost $1,650 $2,718
Average home value $477,289 $810,670
Average income (per capita) $73,341 $128,145
Cost of living (single person) $4,133 $6,867
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,260 $11,970
Unemployment rate 7.3% 4.0%
Sales tax 10.3% 6.0%
State income tax 0.0% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Arlington are 65% higher than in Tacoma, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tacoma.
    Home prices in Arlington are 69.8% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Arlington is 74.7% higher than in Tacoma, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Arlington include U.S. Department of Defense, Safran, and BAE Systems.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Arlington, since the cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 66.2% higher than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Arlington, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 64.9% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Arlington is 45.21% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Arlington, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Arlington are 41.75% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Arlington are 5.75% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,984.51 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Arlington

Arlington Tacoma
Population 238,643 223,968
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 6
Walkability score 71 54
Bike friendliness score 72 48
Crime Index 15.67 55.55
Safety Index 79.15 44.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Arlington's population is about 7% greater than Tacoma.
  • Arlington's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Tacoma's lower score of 6.
  • Arlington is more walkable than Tacoma with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington is more bike-friendly than Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Arlington's crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 15.67 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
  • Arlington is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 79.15 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
  • Air quality in Arlington is good, and in Tacoma it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma vs. Arlington move

  • Weather: Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Virginia doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Arlington without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Arlington

With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Arlington.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Aurora Highlands
  • Ballston-Virginia Square
  • Bluemont
  • Clarendon-Courthouse
  • Radnor-Ft Myer Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Barcroft
  • Chain Bridge Forest
  • Forest Glen
  • Lyon Village
  • Penrose

Things to do in Arlington

After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, itโ€™s time to see what Arlington is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Arlington include museums and art centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington Historical Museum, and Arlington Arts Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Arlington?

The best time to move from Tacoma to Arlington is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tacoma.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to Arlington?

Because most people are moving from Tacoma to Arlington in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Tacoma to Arlington take?

The 2,776-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Arlington, VA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Arlington.

Helpful moving resources