Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Tacoma is 68% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,597/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 28%
$83,857/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 30%
$454,600 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 57%
$1,747/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 33%
220,482
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $25,518/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Killeen — common questions

Is Tacoma or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Killeen?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Killeen?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $25,518/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

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