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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Richmond

California
161

Tacoma is 22% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,597/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 19%
$83,857/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 7%
$454,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 43%
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 15%
220,482
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $6,181/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Richmond — common questions

Is Tacoma or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Richmond?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Richmond?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $6,181/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Richmond details →

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