Living Near UW Tacoma: Apartments, Prices, and Perks

Imagine this: you attend early morning classes at UW Tacoma or grab coffee at Union Station. Having everything you need within minutes of home instead of long bus or parking trips would be ideal. That’s what offers apartments near UW Campus Tacoma many advantages when it comes to convenience, cost and quality of life.

1. What are the rental costs in Tacoma?

• RentCafe reports that Tacoma has an average apartment rental cost of around $1,732/month.
• Zillow's Tacoma rental data shows a monthly rent of $1,720 - 18% less than the national average rent of $2,100.
• Tripalink reports higher monthly costs, $1,901/month, but notes a modest annual decrease of 2.7%.

Tacoma rents range from around $1500-1900/month, placing it between Seattle and other inland communities in terms of affordability for young professionals and students. UWT living can also be affordable.

2. UW Tacoma–Adjacent Neighborhoods

Let’s map out where your next place might be:

📍 Downtown Tacoma

• Average rent: $1,925/month
• Walkable to UWT in under 10 minutes
• Dense with shops, restaurants, and cultural hotspots

📍 Central & New Tacoma

• Average: $1,695–1,713/month
• A mix of high-rise apartments and refurbished historic flats

📍 Eastside Tacoma

• Rents around $2,093/month
• Quieter, more residential feel; some older homes converted to rentals

📍 South Tacoma & Suburbs

• A bit quieter and more budget-friendly: average $1,498–1,615/month
• Drives or a light rail ride away from campus

What does that mean for you?

Living close = convenience and higher price. Expanding a radius may save you a few hundred dollars monthly.

3. Why Tacoma, Why Now?

Three key trends are boosting Tacoma’s rental popularity:

1. Sunbelt-Style Migration: People fleeing pricey West Coast metros are choosing Tacoma for affordability, adding rental pressure.
2. Student & Workforce Growth: UWT’s steady enrollment, city jobs, and light rail access bring consistent demand.
3. New Developments & Oversupply: A build spree downtown has introduced rent deals (“2 months free”) to help attract new tenants.

4. Ellis Apartments near UW Tacoma Campus

Looking for an excellently designed apartment just moments away from class? Ellis may just be perfect. Situated a three-minute walk from the UW Tacoma campus, Ellis boasts both city access and modern comfort, making it the go-to solution for students and scholars and experts.

Each unit offers generous square footage (ranging from 438 to 623 sq ft), in-unit laundry, high-speed internet, and luxury finishes such as quartz countertops and wood-style flooring. You'll love its clean, open layout with large windows for ample natural lighting. Ideal for quiet nights as well as video calls.

Ellis residents represent 60% working professionals, creating an adult environment in this building and not your average student dorm. You are close to Tacoma's best offerings such as coffee shops, waterfront parks, startup offices and light rail connections. No car is necessary and no time wasted.

Ellis is your starting point if you wish to live comfortably and make a beneficial impact on downtown Tacoma without getting caught in its chaos.

5. Balancing Rent vs. Lifestyle: Should You Live Near Campus?

Pros of Living Close:

• Nearly zero commute to class
• Walkable access to amenities
• Staying connected to campus life

Cons:

• Higher rent for prime location
• Limited parking, especially downtown
• Sometimes noisy or busy

Alternatives:

• Eastside or central Tacoma: quieter and slightly cheaper
• South Tacoma or suburbs: more affordable, but add commute time
• Shared housing: splitting a 2‑bed saves on rent while maintaining proximity

6. Tips to Smartly Scout Tacoma Rentals

• Timing matters: Winter months often bring better deals and fewer renters.
• Explore walk/bike routes: Tacoma’s light rail and bus system can offset costlier parking.
• Ask for move-in incentives: New developments may offer “1–2 months free rent.”
• Check tenant protections: Tacoma’s rental code now includes notice periods and late-fee limits.
• Choose your renter: Corporate management may hike rent faster, and private landlords may be more negotiable.

7. Comparing UW Tacoma Off-Campus Vs On-Campus

Although living off campus may save on utilities and parking expenses, make sure you compare this with UWT rates before making your decision.

UWT on-campus (Academic Year 2025-2026):

The parking fee is $342 per quarter. (Source: www.tacoma.uw.edu)

Off-campus:

• Studio near campus: $1,200+/month
• One-bedroom: $1,400–1,900/month

For quarter-based students looking for quarter housing arrangements, the campus may provide greater functionality. But off-campus can offer flexibility, privacy, and potentially lower long-term costs.

8. Are You Planning on Living Near UWT--Yes or No?

• Yes, if walkability, convenience, and proximity to campus are important to you. Downtown Tacoma would make an excellent location with slightly higher rent prices.
• Maybe if you prefer driving or biking, Eastside and South Tacoma may offer more value per square foot.
• Not necessarily if you're flexible on commute and budget. Suburbs offer better bang for your buck, but with greater travel expenses involved.

Conclusion: Your Tacoma Rental Strategy

Finding an apartment near UW Tacoma requires more than price alone; it involves finding something to meet all your lifestyle, location, and budget considerations. Tacoma boasts vibrant options from downtown dwellings like Ellis to quieter properties further out. Negotiate effectively using timing negotiation tactics as well as city tenant protection regulations to snare a good deal.