Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Tacoma is 27% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,597/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 38%
$83,857/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 28%
$454,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 35%
$1,747/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 35%
220,482
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $610/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $7,320/year.

Median household income is $23,617/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Stamford — common questions

Is Tacoma or Stamford 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 Stamford?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $610/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Stamford?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $23,617/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Connecticut?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Stamford details →

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