Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Seattle is 56% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,998/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 20%
$121,984/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 31%
$912,100 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 50%
$2,220/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 21%
741,440
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $38,127/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Seattle or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Tacoma?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $38,127/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Washington?
Both cities are in Washington and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Tacoma details →

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