Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Tacoma is 57% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,597/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 27%
$83,857/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 34%
$454,600 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 46%
$1,747/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 33%
220,482
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $28,204/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Columbia — common questions

Is Tacoma or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Columbia?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Columbia?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $28,204/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and South Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Columbia details →

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