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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Tacoma is 50% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,597/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 57%
$83,857/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 92%
$454,600 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 165%
$1,747/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 48%
220,482
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $908/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $10,896/year.

Median household income is $77,443/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Tacoma or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Bellevue?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $908/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Bellevue?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $77,443/year higher in Bellevue.
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 Tacoma or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Bellevue details →

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