Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Tacoma is 107% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,597/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 35%
$83,857/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 44%
$454,600 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 73%
$1,747/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 42%
220,482
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $37,229/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Rochester — common questions

Is Tacoma or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Rochester?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Rochester?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $37,229/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New York?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Rochester details →

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