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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Irvine is 103% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,893/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 45%
$129,647/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 35%
$1,115,400 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 59%
$2,904/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 40%
308,160
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,296/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $15,552/year.

Median household income is $45,790/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Irvine or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Tacoma?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $1,296/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Tacoma?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $45,790/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Tacoma details →

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