Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Austin is 6% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,655/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 4%
$91,461/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 8%
$512,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 11%
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
967,862
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $7,604/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Austin or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Tacoma?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Tacoma?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $7,604/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Tacoma details →

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