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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Orange

California
206

Tacoma is 39% cheaper than Orange.

$1,597/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 41%
$83,857/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 39%
$454,600 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 98%
$1,747/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 37%
220,482
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $33,088/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Orange — common questions

Is Tacoma or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Orange?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Orange?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $33,088/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Orange details →

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