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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Ontario

California
152

Tacoma is 17% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,597/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 20%
$83,857/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 1%
$454,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 25%
$1,747/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 13%
220,482
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $1,051/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Ontario — common questions

Is Tacoma or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Ontario?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Ontario?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $1,051/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa