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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Tacoma is 35% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,597/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 33%
$83,857/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 24%
$454,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 89%
$1,747/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 29%
220,482
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $20,362/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Tacoma or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Fullerton?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Fullerton?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $20,362/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Fullerton details →

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