Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Tacoma, WA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 16.3% cheaper than Tacoma, WA. This translates to saving $1221 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Tacoma, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Tacoma, WA, you'd need approximately $135,348.837 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tacoma, WA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 30.7% cheaper than in Tacoma, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,900/month in Tacoma, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tacoma, WA to San Diego, CA?

Moving from Tacoma, WA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $1221 per month, or $14651 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tacoma, WA vs San Diego, CA: 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 $1.2K/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.3K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,221

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.7K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(16% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

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!

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tacoma, WA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Tacoma, WA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,536/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $2,313less	30.7%
Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $328less	17.3%
Healthcare	$824/mo	$638/mo	↓ $186less	22.6%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$634/mo	↑ $153more	31.8%
Other	$1,975/mo	$1,892/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.2%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 30.7%

Tacoma, WA

$7,536

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,313

less

Transportation

↓ 17.3%

Tacoma, WA

$1,899

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$328

less

Healthcare

↓ 22.6%

Tacoma, WA

$824

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$186

less

All Utilities

↑ 31.8%

Tacoma, WA

$481

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$153

Other

↓ 4.2%

Tacoma, WA

$1,975

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$83.70

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Tacoma, WA

$1,079

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,380

To$2,565

↑ $1,185

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$2,755

↑ $1,205

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$3,360

↑ $1,460

3 Bed

From$2,630

To$4,475

↑ $1,845

Tacoma, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,970/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,757

Difference

Home Values

Tacoma

San Diego

$560K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +23.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$404K - $685K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 75% more expensive than Tacoma

Calculate payment - Tacoma Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

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

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Tacoma, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.