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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Oakland is 55% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,917/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 17%
$97,369/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 14%
$924,700 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 51%
$2,164/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 19%
438,072
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $13,512/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Oakland or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Tacoma?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Tacoma?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $13,512/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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