Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Tacoma is 24% more expensive than Provo.

$1,597/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 28%
$83,857/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 25%
$454,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 4%
$1,747/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 30%
220,482
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $21,057/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Provo — common questions

Is Tacoma or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Provo?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Provo?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $21,057/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Utah?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Provo details →

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