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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Sacramento is 5% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,694/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 6%
$83,753/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,857/yr ≈ Same
$484,600 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 6%
$1,752/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
524,802
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $104/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Sacramento or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Tacoma?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Tacoma?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $104/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 Sacramento or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Tacoma details →

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