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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

San Diego is 56% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,223/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 28%
$104,321/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 20%
$848,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 46%
$2,308/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 24%
1,385,061
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $626/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $7,512/year.

Median household income is $20,464/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Tacoma — common questions

Is San Diego or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Tacoma?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $626/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Tacoma?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $20,464/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Tacoma details →

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