Is Hillsboro, OR cheaper than Tacoma, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Hillsboro, OR is 27.3% cheaper than Tacoma, WA. This translates to saving $2051 per month.

What salary do I need in Hillsboro, OR to live like I do in Tacoma, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Tacoma, WA, you'd need approximately $125,388.609 in Hillsboro, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tacoma, WA and Hillsboro, OR?

Housing in Hillsboro, OR is 46.0% cheaper than in Tacoma, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,732/month in Hillsboro, OR compared to $1,900/month in Tacoma, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tacoma, WA to Hillsboro, OR?

Moving from Tacoma, WA to Hillsboro, OR could save you approximately $2051 per month, or $24611 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tacoma, WA vs Hillsboro, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Tacoma, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Hillsboro, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.4K in Hillsboro, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,051

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Tacoma, WA

Population:219K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$560K

Hillsboro, OR

Population:108K

Cost Index:

(27% below avg)

Median Home:$524K

Tacoma, WA

The Evergreen State

219K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 219K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Hillsboro, OR

The Beaver State

108K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 108K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tacoma, WA vs Hillsboro, OR

Category	Tacoma, WA	Hillsboro, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,536/mo	$4,069/mo	↓ $3,467less	46.0%
Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,654/mo	↓ $244less	12.9%
Healthcare	$824/mo	$650/mo	↓ $174less	21.1%
Other	$1,975/mo	$1,851/mo	↓ $125less	6.3%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,048/mo	↓ $30.90less	2.9%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$466/mo	↓ $14.76less	3.1%

Housing

↓ 46.0%

Tacoma, WA

$7,536

Hillsboro, OR

$4,069

Difference

$3,467

less

Transportation

↓ 12.9%

Tacoma, WA

$1,899

Hillsboro, OR

$1,654

Difference

$244

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.1%

Tacoma, WA

$824

Hillsboro, OR

$650

Difference

$174

less

Other

↓ 6.3%

Tacoma, WA

$1,975

Hillsboro, OR

$1,851

Difference

$125

less

Groceries

↓ 2.9%

Tacoma, WA

$1,079

Hillsboro, OR

$1,048

Difference

$30.90

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.1%

Tacoma, WA

$481

Hillsboro, OR

$466

Difference

$14.76

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,380

To$1,418

↑ $38.00

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$1,512

↓ $38.00

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,732

↓ $168

3 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,361

↓ $269

Tacoma, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,970/mo

Hillsboro, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$1,970/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$13,794

Monthly in Tacoma, WA

$9,739

Monthly in Hillsboro, OR

$4,056

Difference

Home Values

Tacoma

Hillsboro

$560K

Median Value

$524K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.6%

↑ +23.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +19.7%

$404K - $685K

Price Range

$517K - $531K

Homes in Hillsboro are 6% less expensive than Tacoma

Calculate payment - Tacoma Calculate payment - Hillsboro

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $15.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$1,293

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

Tacoma, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Hillsboro, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

Additional Tax Information

Tacoma, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Hillsboro, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.