Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Tacoma is 59% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,597/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 21%
$83,857/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 22%
$454,600 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 55%
$1,747/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 33%
220,482
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $18,665/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Tacoma or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Dearborn?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Dearborn?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $18,665/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Dearborn details →

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