Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Tacoma is 5% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,597/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 11%
$83,857/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 5%
$454,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$455,600 ≈ Same
$1,747/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 2%
220,482
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $3,922/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Tacoma or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $3,922/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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