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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Tacoma is 43% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,597/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 39%
$83,857/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 24%
$454,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 130%
$1,747/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 34%
220,482
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $19,921/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Tacoma or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Pasadena?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Pasadena?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $19,921/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Pasadena details →

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