Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Tacoma, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.8% of gross income.
Tacoma rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Tacoma, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tacoma
View full rent data for Tacoma, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Tacoma, WA?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,749 a month. A typical carpenter in Washington earns about $68,253 a year, which makes that rent 30.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Tacoma?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Washington (~$68,253/yr) supports up to $1,706 a month in rent. Tacoma's current median rent is $1,749/mo, which is $43/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Tacoma?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a carpenter in Washington works roughly 53.3 hours a month to cover Tacoma's median rent of $1,749.
Where is rent cheaper than Tacoma for a carpenter?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include La Center ($1,748/mo), Wenatchee ($1,747/mo), Vancouver ($1,747/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.