Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Tacoma is 16% more expensive than West Valley City.

$1,597/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↓ 10%
$83,857/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 6%
$454,600 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 17%
$1,747/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 16%
220,482
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $4,747/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Tacoma or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and West Valley City?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or West Valley City?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $4,747/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Utah?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View West Valley City details →

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