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City Report · WA

Tacoma

Pop. 222,758·86th most expensive in Washington·Rental market data updated monthly for Tacoma, WA
Median rent (all units)
$1,749/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.8%
Month-over-Month
-1.8%
vs US Median
-$216
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Tacoma · $1,749
More affordable than 57% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
73/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Tacoma's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,749/mo
Expected by trend
$1,981/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Tacoma's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,440
1 BR
$1,612
2 BR
$1,983
3 BR
$2,782
4 BR+
$3,188
Research median
$1,983/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$20,988/yr
At $1,749/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 0.8% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.8% YoY, -1.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Tacoma, WA is majority owner-occupied, 34.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
222,758
Median income
$85,884
Median age
37.2
Renters
44.2%
Age distribution
19.8%
26.6%
27%
15%
Under 1819.8%
18–3426.6%
35–5427%
55–6411.6%
65+15%
Gender
49.5%
50.5%
Male49.5%
Female50.5%
Race & ethnicity
58.2%
13.8%
White58.2%
Black9.8%
Hispanic13.8%
Asian9.6%
Other8.6%
Education (25+)
24.7%
31.7%
34.5%
No HS diploma9%
HS diploma24.7%
Some college31.7%
Bachelor's+34.5%
Housing tenure
55.8%
44.2%
Owner55.8%
Renter44.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Tacoma, WA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,441 → $1,749
up 21.4%
Income
$69,956 → $85,884
up 22.8%
Population
217,332 → 222,758
up 2.5%
Renter share
44.4% → 44.2%
-0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
31.3% → 34.5%
+3.2 pts
Median age
36.7 → 37.2
+0.5 yrs

Rent in Tacoma, WA has climbed 21.4% since 2021, going from about $1,441 per month to roughly $1,749 today. Census figures show median household income at $85,884 today, compared with $69,956 five years earlier. Headcount in the area went from 217,332 to 222,758 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.5% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 31.3% to 34.5%. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Tacoma rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Tacoma on your salary?

At $1,749/mo, how Tacoma rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Tacoma rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Tacoma. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Tacoma

About renting in Tacoma, WA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Tacoma is $1,749/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,440/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,983/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,612/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,782/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($85,884/yr), Tacoma ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Tacoma an affordable city for renters?

Tacoma is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,749/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($85,884/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Tacoma falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Tacoma?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $70,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,749/mo in Tacoma. The local median household income is $85,884/yr, meaning the typical Tacoma household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Tacoma?

Rent in Tacoma has increased 0.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Tacoma neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Tacoma are 98408 ($1,351/mo), 98405 ($1,560/mo), and 98409 ($1,641/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Tacoma is $1,749/mo.

How does Tacoma rent compare to other cities in Washington?

Tacoma is one of the more affordable cities in Washington for rent, ranking #86 out of 110 tracked cities at $1,749/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Tacoma?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Tacoma ($1,749/mo): Lakewood ($1,708/mo), Parkland ($1,730/mo).

What percentage of Tacoma residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44.2% of Tacoma households are renters, while 55.8% are owner-occupied. Tacoma leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Tacoma rent compare to the national average?

Tacoma's median rent of $1,749/mo is $216 (11%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Washington, it ranks #86 out of 110 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,749/mo, rent takes ~24% of Tacoma's median household income ($85,884/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Tacoma 24%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Tacoma affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Tacoma, WA

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