Tacoma vs West Palm Beach for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Estimated annual swing
+$6,312/yr
Favoring Tacoma for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $526/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~29 months and still keep ~$63/mo for dining out.
Complete the Picture
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High-yield savings
Park ~$6,312/yr savings at 4–5%+ APY
Even $526/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Tacoma resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
Compare Medicare supplement options for your new state
Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Tacoma Washington | West Palm Beach Florida | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,900Better | $2,400 | $6,000/yr saves in Tacoma |
| Median home price | $500KBetter | $500K | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None | — |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10.1% | 7%Better | — |
| Monthly utilities | $118Better | $200 | $984/yr saves in Tacoma |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 105Better | 106 | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $570Better | $585 | $180/yr saves in Tacoma |
| Walk score (0–100) | 54 / 100 | 55 / 100Better | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 114Better | 117 | — |
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in West Palm Beach
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in West Palm Beach homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Tacoma or West Palm Beach?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Tacoma scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $500K in Tacoma vs $500K in West Palm Beach. Tacoma is approximately 3% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Tacoma or West Palm Beach?
Neither Tacoma nor West Palm Beach has a state income tax, which is excellent for retirees relying on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Your retirement income is only subject to federal taxes.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Tacoma vs West Palm Beach?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $570 in Tacoma and $585 in West Palm Beach. That's a difference of ~$15/month, or ~$180/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Tacoma on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Tacoma, rent alone would consume approximately 46% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,900/mo) and healthcare another ~14%. That leaves roughly 40% (~$1,667/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
West Palm Beach has a higher walk score (55 vs 54 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. West Palm Beach offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Tacoma has the same purchasing power as $51K/year in West Palm Beach
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026