Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Tacoma, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30% of gross income.
Tacoma rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Tacoma, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tacoma
View full rent data for Tacoma, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Tacoma, WA?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,760 a month. A typical firefighter in Washington earns about $70,347 a year, which makes that rent 30% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Tacoma?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Washington (~$70,347/yr) supports up to $1,759 a month in rent. Tacoma's current median rent is $1,760/mo, which is $1/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Tacoma?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a firefighter in Washington works roughly 52 hours a month to cover Tacoma's median rent of $1,760.
Where is rent cheaper than Tacoma for a firefighter?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Port Angeles ($1,759/mo), Burien ($1,759/mo), Vancouver ($1,758/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.