Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Tacoma is 11% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,597/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 9%
$83,857/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 2%
$454,600 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 21%
$1,747/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 1%
220,482
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $1,932/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Tacoma or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Lakewood?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Lakewood?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $1,932/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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