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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Tacoma and Lancaster have a similar cost of living.

$1,597/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 6%
$83,857/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 9%
$454,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 10%
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
220,482
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $7,774/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Tacoma or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Lancaster?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Lancaster?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $7,774/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Lancaster details →

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