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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Glendale

California
214

Tacoma is 41% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,597/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 31%
$83,857/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$84,262/yr ≈ Same
$454,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 130%
$1,747/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 27%
220,482
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $405/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Glendale — common questions

Is Tacoma or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Glendale?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Glendale?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $405/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Glendale details →

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