Cost of Living: Tacoma vs Boulder (2026)
Tacoma has a 14% lower overall cost of living than Boulder as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,900/mo in Tacoma vs $2,300/mo in Boulder — a 17% difference. Tacoma has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Boulder (4.4% rate).
- Tacoma is 14% cheaper overall (COL index: 114 vs 132)
- 1BR rent: $1,900/mo in Tacoma vs $2,300/mo — 17% savings
- Tacoma has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Boulder ($80,000/yr vs $72,000/yr)
- Median home price: $500,000 in Tacoma vs $800,000 — 38% difference
| Category | Tacoma Washington | Boulder Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,500Best | $1,800 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,900Best | $2,300 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,600Best | $3,000 |
| Median home price | $500KBest | $800K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 105Best | 109 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15Best | $17 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $62Best | $70 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $90 | $80Best |
| Gas price/gal | $4.10 | $3.45Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $155 | $140Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $118Best | $138 |
| Internet/mo | $63Best | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $72K | $80KBest |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 4.4% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 10.1% | 8.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $48Best | $55 |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00Best | $7.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 114Best | 132 |
| Walk score / 100 | 54Best | 52 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Tacoma is 14% cheaper than Boulder based on overall cost of living indices (114 vs 132, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Tacoma vs Boulder?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Tacoma is $1,900/month and in Boulder is $2,300/month. Tacoma is cheaper by 17%.
How much do I need to earn in Boulder to match a $75,000 salary in Tacoma?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $86,842/year in Boulder to match a $75,000 salary in Tacoma. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Tacoma or Boulder?
Tacoma has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 4.4%. 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 Tacoma to Boulder?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma 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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