Santa Ana, CA vs Tacoma, WA: 163 vs 126

$1,975/mo ↑ 24%

Median Rent

$1,597/mo ↓ 19%

$88,354/yr ↑ 5%

Median Income

$83,857/yr ↓ 5%

$657,800 ↑ 45%

Home Value

$454,600 ↓ 31%

$1,965/mo ↑ 12%

Owner Costs

$1,747/mo ↓ 11%

311,639

Population

220,482

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $4,497/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Tacoma cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Tacoma?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $378/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Tacoma?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $4,497/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Tacoma?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Tacoma

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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