Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Washington is 36% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,900/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 16%
$106,287/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 21%
$724,600 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 37%
$2,103/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 17%
672,079
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $22,430/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Washington or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Tacoma?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Tacoma?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $22,430/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Washington?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Tacoma details →

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