Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Anaheim is 44% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,082/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 23%
$90,583/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 7%
$771,700 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 41%
$2,165/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 19%
344,553
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $6,726/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Anaheim or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Tacoma?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Tacoma?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $6,726/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Tacoma details →

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