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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Tacoma is 63% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,597/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 92%
$83,857/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 117%
$454,600 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 300%
$1,747/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 73%
220,482
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,468/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $17,616/year.

Median household income is $98,005/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Tacoma or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,468/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $98,005/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Sunnyvale details →

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