Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Tacoma is 59% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,597/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 30%
$83,857/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 39%
$454,600 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 51%
$1,747/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 27%
220,482
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $32,518/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Springfield — common questions

Is Tacoma or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Springfield?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Springfield?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $32,518/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Springfield details →

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