Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Tacoma is 27% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,597/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 27%
$83,857/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 36%
$454,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 53%
$1,747/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 24%
220,482
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $29,781/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Tacoma or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Alexandria?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Alexandria?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $29,781/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tacoma and Alexandria

Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen