Student Housing in Tacoma, WA
$1,125+/unit
Fees may applyCornus Apartments
$1,200+/unit
Fees may applyJefferson Yards
$564+/unit
Fees may applyKoz at the Dome
$564+/unit
Fees may applyKoz on Market
$899+/unit
Fees may applyTacoma Flats
$1,348+/unit
Fees may applyThe Lodge at Madrona
$1,325+/unit
Fees may applyThe Orion Apartments
$1,750+/unit
Fees may applyThea's Landing
$1,376+/unit
Fees may applyVillaggio Apartment Homes
$1,325+/unit
Fees may applyVista Del Rey Apartments
$1,612+/unit
Fees may applyBoulders at Puget Sound
$1,445+/unit
Fees may applyEllyson Apartment Homes
$1,699+/unit
Fees may applyJefferson Flats
$1,195+/unit
Fees may applyMoraine Apartments
$1,250/unit
Fees may applyRed Maple Apartments
$1,514+/unit
Fees may applyTerravista Apartments
About Student Housing in Tacoma
Tacoma is a mid-size city 35 miles south of Seattle, home to the University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Puget Sound. Its rental market is significantly more affordable than Seattle, and with the Sounder commuter train and increasing transit connections, some UW Seattle students commute from Tacoma to save money. The downtown and Stadium District neighborhoods near the campuses are going through genuine revitalization. Tacoma has the Pacific Northwest character of Seattle at a significant cost discount.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Tacoma
Stadium District / Near UW Tacoma
The primary student zone for UWT — close to campus and connected to downtown Tacoma. Historic buildings and some new development mixed together.
North End / Proctor District
More residential and walkable, near the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran commute corridor. Good neighborhood character.
Getting Around Tacoma as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around Tacoma.
Public Transit
Pierce Transit covers Tacoma with bus routes. Sounder commuter rail connects Tacoma to Seattle in about 55 minutes — viable for students doing hybrid programs. The streetcar runs in downtown. Transit has improved but Tacoma is still more car-dependent than Seattle.
Walking and Biking
Downtown and the Stadium District are walkable. The North End is bikeable. The city has improved its bike infrastructure. Tacoma is flatter than Seattle in many areas, making biking more practical.
Parking
Significantly easier than Seattle. Most apartments include a space. Downtown Tacoma has paid parking but nothing like Seattle pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Tacoma
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Tacoma is one of the most affordable Puget Sound markets — shared units near UWT run $750-$1,100/mo per person. Significantly cheaper than Seattle while remaining connected via Sounder. One of the best values in the region.
Find Housing by University in Tacoma
Browse student housing near each Tacoma-area university.
Search Tacoma Student Housing by…
Lifestyle
See how students rate apartments in Tacoma, WA on social life, management, and quality before you tour.
Read student apartment reviews in Tacoma, WA →