Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Tacoma, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.2% of gross income.
Tacoma rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Tacoma, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tacoma
View full rent data for Tacoma, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Tacoma, WA?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,749 a month. A typical paramedic in Washington earns about $59,562 a year, which makes that rent 35.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Tacoma?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Washington (~$59,562/yr) supports up to $1,489 a month in rent. Tacoma's current median rent is $1,749/mo, which is $260/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Tacoma?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a paramedic in Washington works roughly 61.1 hours a month to cover Tacoma's median rent of $1,749.
Where is rent cheaper than Tacoma for a paramedic?
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 paramedic salary.