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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Tacoma is 44% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,597/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 52%
$83,857/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 43%
$454,600 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 130%
$1,747/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 39%
220,482
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $827/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $9,924/year.

Median household income is $36,028/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Tacoma or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $827/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $36,028/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Huntington Beach details →

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