Tacoma, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations
Navigate short-term rental regulations with ease! From coastal retreats to urban hubs, our in-depth guides break down the essentials for cities across the nation. Stay informed of changes to local Airbnb rules with our up-to-date insights and best practices.
Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Tacoma Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
-
Short Term City Rating5.3
-
Competition
5.5 -
Real Estate Cost
5.4 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
5.9 -
Rental Rates
4.3
Tacoma, Washington Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 219,346
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Pierce
- Airports
- Gig Harbor (TIW)
- Lakewood (TCM)
Want to learn more about Tacoma?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Tacoma rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Tacoma rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Tacoma.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Tacoma guests.
Interested in other Washington cities?
Check out the Washington Airbnb rules directory
What makes Tacoma a great place to invest?
- Captivating Cultural Scene: Tacoma, Washington boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with top-notch museums like the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum. Marvel at the world-renowned Chihuly glass installations, attend an intriguing art exhibit, or immerse yourself in the rich history of the region.
- Enthralling Natural Beauty: Tacoma's stunning natural surroundings make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the majestic Point Defiance Park, a 760-acre wonderland with lush gardens, picturesque trails, and mesmerizing waterfront views. Don't miss the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier National Park, just a short drive away.
- Exciting Urban Adventures: Tacoma's revitalized downtown offers an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Stroll along the Ruston Way waterfront, indulge in a sumptuous meal at a local farm-to-table restaurant, or catch a show at the historic Pantages Theater.
- The Thrill of Higher Learning: Home to the esteemed University of Puget Sound and the innovative University of Washington Tacoma, this city is a hub of intellectual activity. Visitors can participate in engaging public lectures, attend fascinating art and cultural events, or simply wander the picturesque campuses to soak in the collegiate atmosphere.
- A Sports Lover's Paradise: Tacoma caters to sports enthusiasts with a variety of professional and recreational sporting events. Cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers, the city's Minor League Baseball team, or test your limits with a challenging hike, bike ride, or paddle through the area's diverse and beautiful terrain.
- Parks Galore: Tacoma boasts an impressive network of over 70 parks, offering everything from serene picnic spots to adrenaline-pumping playgrounds. Visit the magnificent Wright Park, featuring a beautiful arboretum and the family-friendly W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, or spend an afternoon at Titlow Park, where you can kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax by the water.
Tacoma Nearby Cities
-
-
14 miles away
- Rating: 5.6
-
-
-
18 miles away
- Rating: 4.9
-
Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Tacoma?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Tacoma has decreased -7% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $321, which is higher than the national average.
-
Median Sale Price
-
$534,428
-7% YoY
-
Median per Square Foot
-
$321
-6% YoY
-
Average Monthly Rent
-
$1,863
1% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Tacoma, Washington
Common terms for Tacoma short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Tacoma has a description approximately 1,284 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,418 listings in Tacoma, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Tacoma, View, Main, Beautiful, Quiet, Yard, Place, Family, Feel, and Puget Sound.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Tacoma?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Tacoma involve Boating, the Zoo, Museums, the Marina, and Hiking. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
-
Boating
-
Zoo
-
Museums
-
Marina
-
Hiking
-
Cycling
-
Casinos
-
Antiquing
-
Wildlife Viewing
-
Swimming
-
Health Spa
-
Adventure Activities
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Tacoma, including Tacoma Dome, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Emerald Queen Casino, Puyallup Fairgrounds, and Tacoma Mall. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Tacoma Dome
Included on 91% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Emerald Queen Casino
Included on 91% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Tacoma Mall
Included on 91% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Port of Tacoma
Included on 91% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center
Included on 91% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Museum of Glass
Included on 91% of listings
-
Local Landmark
-
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Included on 84% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Wild Waves Theme and Water Park
Included on 81% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Chambers Bay Golf Course
Included on 81% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Puyallup Fairgrounds
Included on 62% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Lake Tapps
Included on 52% of listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Included on 51% of listings
What’s the weather like in Tacoma, Washington?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 61°, while the average low is about 46°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 46 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is relatively rare, averaging less than 3 inches per year. The humidity levels in Tacoma are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
38° Low 48° High
Spring
March through May
44° Low 59° High
Summer
June through August
55° Low 75° High
Fall
September through November
47° Low 61° High
Cities Near Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington, is located in Pierce County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
