Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Tacoma is 8% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,597/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 16%
$83,857/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 11%
$454,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 9%
$1,747/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 20%
220,482
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $8,932/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Tacoma or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $8,932/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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Salt Lake City details →

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