Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Tacoma is 47% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,597/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 72%
$83,857/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 51%
$454,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 129%
$1,747/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 51%
220,482
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,145/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $13,740/year.

Median household income is $42,612/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Tacoma or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Cambridge?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,145/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Cambridge?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $42,612/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Cambridge details →

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