Tacoma, WA vs Santa Rosa, CA: 126 vs 172

$1,597/mo ↓ 23%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 30%

$83,857/yr ↓ 14%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 16%

$454,600 ↓ 34%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 51%

$1,747/mo ↓ 18%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 22%

220,482

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $13,553/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Tacoma or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $487/month.

Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $13,553/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Tacoma

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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