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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Los Angeles is 48% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,879/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 15%
$80,366/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 48%
$2,055/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 15%
3,857,897
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $3,491/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Tacoma?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Tacoma?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $3,491/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Los Angeles or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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