Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Tacoma is 5% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,597/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 2%
$83,857/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 7%
$454,600 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 7%
$1,747/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 11%
220,482
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,214/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Tempe — common questions

Is Tacoma or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Tempe?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Tempe?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $6,214/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Arizona?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Tempe details →

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