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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Santa Clarita is 56% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,486/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 36%
$119,926/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 30%
$721,000 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 37%
$2,649/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 34%
229,021
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $889/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $10,668/year.

Median household income is $36,069/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Tacoma?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $889/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Tacoma?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $36,069/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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