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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Tacoma, WA and Seattle, WA have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area
Overall Cost
โ†’ 0.0%
Same cost
Monthly Impact
$0
No change
Annual Impact
$0
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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K
Cost Index:
100
(national average)
Median Home:$808K

Tacoma, WA

The Evergreen State

219K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

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

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Oceanic

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขCoffee culture birthplace
  • โ€ขMajor tech center
  • โ€ขPacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tacoma, WA vs Seattle, WA

Housing
โ†’ 0.0%
Tacoma, WA
$7,536
Seattle, WA
$7,536
Difference
$0
same
Groceries
โ†’ 0.0%
Tacoma, WA
$1,079
Seattle, WA
$1,079
Difference
$0
same
Transportation
โ†’ 0.0%
Tacoma, WA
$1,899
Seattle, WA
$1,899
Difference
$0
same
All Utilities
โ†’ 0.0%
Tacoma, WA
$481
Seattle, WA
$481
Difference
$0
same
Healthcare
โ†’ 0.0%
Tacoma, WA
$824
Seattle, WA
$824
Difference
$0
same
Other
โ†’ 0.0%
Tacoma, WA
$1,975
Seattle, WA
$1,975
Difference
$0
same

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,380
To$2,180
โ†‘ $800
1 Bed
From$1,550
To$2,260
โ†‘ $710
2 Bed
From$1,900
To$2,630
โ†‘ $730
3 Bed
From$2,630
To$3,440
โ†‘ $810
Tacoma, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510โ€“$1,970/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900โ€“$3,210/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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
$13,794
Monthly in Seattle, WA
$0
Difference

Home Values

Tacoma
Seattle
$560K
Median Value
$808K
โ†“ -0.8%
YoY Change
โ†“ -2.5%
โ†‘ +23.6%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +12.5%
$404K - $685K
Price Range
$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 44% more expensive than Tacoma

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Tacoma, WA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Washington State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Washington State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Tacoma, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%
Property Tax:0.9%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%
Property Tax:0.9%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

Tacoma
Seattle
44 Good
Air Quality
41 Good
72.4%
Good Air Days
69.7%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐Ÿซจ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐Ÿซจ
โ–ฒ+2.4ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.6ยฐF
1 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
2 days
โ–ฒ+2.4ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.6ยฐF
1 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
2 days

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