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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Ventura

California
183

Tacoma is 31% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,597/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 32%
$83,857/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 20%
$454,600 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 71%
$1,747/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 21%
220,482
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $16,550/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Ventura — common questions

Is Tacoma or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Ventura?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Ventura?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $16,550/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Ventura details →

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