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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Modesto

California
120

Tacoma is 6% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,597/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ≈ Same
$83,857/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 7%
$454,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 9%
$1,747/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 8%
220,482
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,958/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Modesto — common questions

Is Tacoma or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Modesto?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Modesto?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $5,958/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Modesto details →