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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Fremont is 121% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,905/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 45%
$176,350/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 52%
$1,289,400 ↑ 184%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 65%
$3,000/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 42%
228,518
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,308/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $15,696/year.

Median household income is $92,493/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Fremont or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Tacoma?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $1,308/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Tacoma?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $92,493/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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