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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Tacoma is 26% more expensive than Denton.

$1,597/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 16%
$83,857/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 12%
$454,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 28%
$1,747/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 16%
220,482
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $10,138/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Denton — common questions

Is Tacoma or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Denton?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Denton?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $10,138/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Denton details →

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