Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Tacoma is 50% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,597/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 33%
$83,857/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 29%
$454,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 197%
$1,747/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 34%
220,482
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $24,701/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Tacoma or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Berkeley?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Berkeley?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $24,701/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Berkeley details →

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