Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Tacoma is 25% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,597/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 37%
$83,857/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 22%
$454,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 30%
$1,747/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 27%
220,482
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $18,464/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Tacoma or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Fairfield?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Fairfield?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $18,464/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Fairfield details →

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