Federal Way vs Tacoma
Side-by-side rent vs buy analysis comparing these two markets
Overall Comparison
Tacoma has an edge
Tacoma currently favors renting, with better rent-to-price dynamics.
Median Home Price
$841,148.88
Median Rent
$2,267.38/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.9
Property Tax RateTIE
0.98%
Price Change (1Y)
-1.8%
Price Change (5Y)
-9.2%
Break-Even YearsTIE
N/A
10-Year Wealth Difference
$714,572
Median Home PriceBETTER
$555,177.07
Median RentBETTER
$1,956.85/mo
Price-to-Rent RatioBETTER
23.6
Property Tax RateTIE
0.98%
Price Change (1Y)BETTER
-0.4%
Price Change (5Y)BETTER
-1.8%
Break-Even YearsTIE
N/A
10-Year Wealth DifferenceBETTER
$394,367
Key Differences
Home Prices
Federal Way's median home price of $841,148.88 is higher than Tacoma's $555,177.07 by 52%.
Monthly Rent
Renting in Federal Way costs $2,267.38/mo compared to $1,956.85/mo in Tacoma—a difference of $310.53/mo.
Buy vs Rent Verdict
Both cities currently favor renting.
Break-Even Timeline
Break-even analysis varies based on market conditions in each city.
Run Your Own Numbers
This comparison uses median values. Your income, savings, and goals matter. Use our Buy vs Rent calculator to get a personalized analysis.