Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Tacoma is 43% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,597/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 16%
$83,857/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 19%
$454,600 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 49%
$1,747/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 23%
220,482
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $16,099/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Hampton — common questions

Is Tacoma or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Hampton?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Hampton?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $16,099/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Hampton details →

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