Average Rent in Tacoma, WA↑ Rents rising 3.5% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in WA

Tacoma, WA has rental prices ranging from $1,479/month to $3,292/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,673/month — 20% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $112,594/year, spending $1,673/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Tacoma Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,057/month, Tacoma ranks #3 most expensive of the 36 cities tracked in Washington — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Tacoma Rental Market

The Tacoma, WA area has a population of about 4,021,467 and 40% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Tacoma, WA have risen by $70/month (3.5%) over the past year, from $1,987 to $2,057. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Tacoma, WA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $66,920. The local median household income of $112,594 exceeds that threshold by $45,674, making Tacoma relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Tacoma, WA is $498,674, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 20.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Tacoma's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are South Tacoma ($419,984 median home value), South End ($440,024 median home value), Eastside-ENACT ($441,445 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Tacoma, WA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Tacoma?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Tacoma

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.