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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Tacoma is 59% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,597/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 87%
$83,857/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 107%
$454,600 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 236%
$1,747/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 75%
220,482
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,388/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $16,656/year.

Median household income is $89,813/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Tacoma or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,388/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $89,813/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville