Cost of Living: Raleigh vs Tacoma (2026)
Raleigh has a 11% lower overall cost of living than Tacoma as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,700/mo in Raleigh vs $1,900/mo in Tacoma — a 11% difference. Tacoma has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Raleigh (4.5% rate).
- Raleigh is 11% cheaper overall (COL index: 101 vs 114)
- 1BR rent: $1,700/mo in Raleigh vs $1,900/mo — 11% savings
- Tacoma has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Tacoma ($72,000/yr vs $70,000/yr)
- Median home price: $380,000 in Raleigh vs $500,000 — 24% difference
| Category | Raleigh North Carolina | Tacoma Washington |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,500 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,700Best | $1,900 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200Best | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $380KBest | $500K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96Best | 105 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13Best | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $55Best | $62 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $70Best | $90 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $4.10 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $155 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $150 | $118Best |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $70K | $72KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.5% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.5%Best | 10.1% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $40Best | $48 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 101Best | 114 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 54Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Tacoma?
Yes. Raleigh is 11% cheaper than Tacoma based on overall cost of living indices (101 vs 114, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Raleigh vs Tacoma?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh is $1,700/month and in Tacoma is $1,900/month. Raleigh is cheaper by 11%.
How much do I need to earn in Tacoma to match a $75,000 salary in Raleigh?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $84,653/year in Tacoma to match a $75,000 salary in Raleigh. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Raleigh or Tacoma?
Tacoma has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 4.5%. Tacoma has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Raleigh to Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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