Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Tacoma is 8% cheaper than Allen.

$1,597/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 18%
$83,857/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 54%
$454,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 5%
$1,747/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 19%
220,482
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $45,273/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Allen — common questions

Is Tacoma or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Allen?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Allen?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $45,273/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Allen details →

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