Tacoma, WA vs Santa Maria, CA: 126 vs 137

$1,597/mo ↓ 13%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 15%

$83,857/yr ≈ Same

Median Income

$84,617/yr ≈ Same

$454,600 ↓ 5%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 5%

$1,747/mo ↓ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 2%

220,482

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $760/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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 Maria — common questions

Is Tacoma or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $245/month.

Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $760/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Tacoma

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons