Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Tacoma and Richardson have a similar cost of living.

$1,597/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 14%
$83,857/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 15%
$454,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 11%
$1,747/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 3%
220,482
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $12,400/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Richardson — common questions

Is Tacoma or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Richardson?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Richardson?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $12,400/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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