Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Kansas, KS (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Kansas

Kansas
65

Tacoma is 61% more expensive than Kansas.

$1,597/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 33%
$83,857/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 29%
$454,600 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 68%
$1,747/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 40%
220,482
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Kansas, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Kansas, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $24,674/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $147,100 in Kansas.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Kansas — common questions

Is Tacoma or Kansas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Kansas?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Kansas it's $1,073/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Kansas?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $59,183 in Kansas. Median household income is $24,674/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Kansas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Kansas?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Kansas has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Kansas details →