Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Tacoma is 52% more expensive than Athens.

$1,597/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 27%
$83,857/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 38%
$454,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 40%
$1,747/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 33%
220,482
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $32,202/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Athens — common questions

Is Tacoma or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Athens?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Athens?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $32,202/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Georgia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Athens details →

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