Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Chandler is 6% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,806/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 12%
$103,691/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 19%
$469,800 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 3%
$1,743/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
278,123
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $19,834/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Chandler 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 Chandler and Tacoma?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Tacoma?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $19,834/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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