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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Tacoma is 28% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,597/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 46%
$83,857/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 31%
$454,600 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 34%
$1,747/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 36%
220,482
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $733/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $8,796/year.

Median household income is $25,923/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Tacoma or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Murrieta?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $733/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Murrieta?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $25,923/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Murrieta details →

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