Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Tacoma is 38% more expensive than College Station.

$1,597/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 27%
$83,857/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 38%
$454,600 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 28%
$1,747/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 28%
220,482
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $32,081/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs College Station — common questions

Is Tacoma or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and College Station?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or College Station?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $32,081/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tacoma and College Station

Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette