Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Tacoma is 21% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,597/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 11%
$83,857/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 19%
$454,600 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 25%
$1,747/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 13%
220,482
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $16,313/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Worcester — common questions

Is Tacoma or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Worcester?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Worcester?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $16,313/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Worcester details →

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