Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Tacoma is 88% more expensive than Independence.

$1,597/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 34%
$83,857/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 29%
$454,600 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 63%
$1,747/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
220,482
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $24,377/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Independence — common questions

Is Tacoma or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Independence?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Independence?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $24,377/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Missouri?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Independence details →

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