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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

San Jose is 102% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,617/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 39%
$141,565/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 41%
$1,187,800 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 62%
$2,775/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 37%
990,054
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,020/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $12,240/year.

Median household income is $57,708/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Tacoma — common questions

Is San Jose or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Tacoma?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $1,020/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Tacoma?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $57,708/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Tacoma details →

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