Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Tacoma is 17% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,597/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 13%
$83,857/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 35%
$454,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 32%
$1,747/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 12%
220,482
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $29,539/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Arvada — common questions

Is Tacoma or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Arvada?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Arvada?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $29,539/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Arvada details →

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