Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Boston is 40% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,093/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 24%
$94,755/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 12%
$710,400 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 36%
$2,176/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 20%
663,972
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $10,898/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Boston or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Tacoma?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Tacoma?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $10,898/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Washington?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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