Burien
Population: ~52,000
"Walkable Charm & Seahurst Beach"
Tukwila
Population: ~21,000
"Light Rail & Southcenter Shopping"
Burien vs Tukwila:
Affordable South King Living
Two of King County's most diverse and affordable communities sit side by side near SeaTac. Residential charm or commercial convenience? Beaches or light rail? Let's find your perfect fit.
Burien Highlights
Tukwila Highlights
The Quick Verdict
Bottom line: Both cities offer genuine affordability and incredible diversity. Burien delivers residential charm, walkability, and beach access. Tukwila wins on price and light rail connectivity. Neither disappoints for value-seekers.
B Choose Burien If You...
- Want a walkable downtown with local character
- Love diverse international cuisine (Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Mexican)
- Want beach access at Seahurst Park
- Prioritize safety and lower crime rates
- Have children (slightly better schools)
T Choose Tukwila If You...
- Need direct light rail to Seattle & airport
- Want the absolute lowest home prices
- Love big-box retail (Southcenter has 200+ stores)
- Work at the airport or industrial corridor
- Value maximum cultural diversity
Cost of Living Comparison
Both cities offer significant savings compared to Seattle, but Tukwila edges out Burien on home prices.
Housing Costs
Tukwila Wins - Save $90K-$150K on home purchase
Monthly Living Costs
Nearly Tied - Day-to-day costs are comparable
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Schools & Education
Burien WinsBurien (Highline SD)
- State Ranking: #192 of 247 (B- grade)
- Standout: Raisbeck Aviation HS (#6 in WA)
- Graduation Rate: 85%+
- Student/Teacher: 18:1
Tukwila (Tukwila SD)
- State Ranking: #232 of 247 (C grade)
- Standout: Top 1% diversity nationally
- Languages: 80+ spoken
- Student/Teacher: 17:1
Transit & Commute
Tukwila WinsBurien Transit
- Light Rail: No direct access
- Bus: RapidRide F, Metro routes
- To Seattle: 25-40 min (bus/car)
- Walk Score: #3 in WA State!
Tukwila Transit
- Light Rail: 1 Line Station (game-changer!)
- To SeaTac: 5 min by train
- To Seattle: 25-30 min by train
- Park & Ride: Free at station
Shopping & Retail
Different StrengthsBurien Shopping
- Character: Walkable downtown boutiques
- International: Asian, African, Latin markets
- Local Gems: Chocolatiers, craft breweries
- Vibe: Main Street America feel
Best for: Local character, unique finds, supporting small business
Tukwila Shopping
- Southcenter: PNW's largest mall (200+ stores)
- Anchors: Nordstrom, Macy's, Apple
- Dining: Din Tai Fung, Restaurant Row
- Vibe: One-stop mega retail
Best for: Brand shopping, variety, entertainment
Lifestyle & Community
Burien WinsBurien Lifestyle
- Beach: Seahurst Park (182 acres, 1 mile beach)
- Events: Farmers markets, Dia de los Muertos
- Dining: 50+ international restaurants
- Character: True small-town community feel
Tukwila Lifestyle
- Nature: Fort Dent Park, Green River Trail
- Entertainment: Round1, IMAX, restaurants
- Diversity: Top 1% most diverse in USA
- Character: Commercial hub, less residential feel
Safety & Crime
Burien WinsBurien Safety
- Crime Rate: 54 per 1,000 residents
- Trend: 13% decrease 2023-2024
- Safest Areas: Southwest (near Seahurst)
- Feel: Residential, quieter streets
Tukwila Safety
- Crime Rate: 80 per 1,000 residents
- Context: High retail = more property crime
- Safest Areas: Southern residential zones
- Note: Vehicle theft is a concern
Diversity & Culture
Tukwila WinsBurien Diversity
- Rating: Very diverse (A- on Niche)
- Cuisine: Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican
- Events: Dia de los Muertos, cultural festivals
- Feel: Melting pot community
Tukwila Diversity
- Rating: Top 1% in United States
- Demographics: 36% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 21% Black
- Languages: 80+ in schools
- Feel: True global mosaic
Final Verdict: Which City Wins?
Burien is the better choice for most families and individuals seeking a genuine neighborhood experience. Its walkable downtown, Seahurst Beach access, superior safety, and community character create a real sense of place. You'll pay a modest premium ($90K more for homes), but you're buying into a community, not just a location.
Tukwila is the smarter choice for budget-focused buyers, transit commuters, and retail lovers. The light rail station is a genuine game-changer for Seattle workers and frequent flyers. Home prices $90K+ below Burien open homeownership to more buyers.
Our recommendation: If both fit your budget, choose Burien for quality of life. Choose Tukwila if light rail access or maximum savings are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are affordable by Seattle standards. Tukwila has slightly lower home prices ($536K-$590K median) compared to Burien ($650K-$710K). Rent is similar in both cities at $1,900-$2,000 for a 2BR apartment. Both offer significant savings (30%+) compared to Seattle proper.
Yes! Tukwila International Boulevard station on Sound Transit's 1 Line provides direct service to SeaTac Airport (5 min), downtown Seattle (25-30 min), University of Washington, and Federal Way. The station includes a free park-and-ride. Burien lacks direct light rail but connects via RapidRide bus.
Both are extremely diverse, but Tukwila ranks in the top 1% nationally for diversity according to Niche. Tukwila School District students speak 80+ languages. Demographics: 36% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 21% Black, 9% White. Burien is also very diverse with an exceptional international restaurant scene celebrating Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Mexican, Korean, and more cuisines.
Tukwila has Westfield Southcenter, the largest mall in the Pacific Northwest with 200+ stores including Nordstrom, Macy's, Apple, and Din Tai Fung. Burien offers charming downtown boutiques, international markets, and local character you won't find at a mall. It depends whether you prefer big-box retail or supporting local business.
Yes! Seahurst Park offers 182 acres of old-growth forest and nearly a mile of Puget Sound beachfront. It's one of the best urban beach parks in the Seattle region with stunning sunset views, tide pools, and walking trails. This is a major advantage Burien has over Tukwila.
Burien is significantly safer with a crime rate of 54 per 1,000 residents vs Tukwila's 80 per 1,000. However, Tukwila's statistics are inflated by commercial crime at Southcenter. Residential areas in both cities' southwest sections are notably safer. Vehicle theft is a concern in both cities but especially Tukwila.
Both cities are approximately 10-12 miles from downtown Seattle. By car: 15-25 min off-peak, 35-50 min during rush hour. Tukwila has the advantage of light rail (25-30 min to downtown, no traffic variability). Both are 4-5 miles from SeaTac Airport.
Ready to Move to South King County?
Whether you choose Burien's beach charm or Tukwila's transit convenience, Next Phase Moving delivers premium service throughout South Seattle. Get your free quote today.
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