Moving from Boulder to Tacoma (2026)
Tacoma has a COL index of 114 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$430/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
132114
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,900
per month
State tax
4.4%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Tacoma to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Tacoma |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,545 |
| $50K | $43,182 |
| $60K | $51,818 |
| $75K | $64,773 |
| $80K | $69,091 |
| $100K | $86,364 |
| $120K | $103,636 |
| $150K | $129,545 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Tacoma
| Expense | Boulder | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $414 | $399 |
| Transport | $80 | $90 |
| Utilities | $138 | $118 |
| Internet | $68 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,171 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 114 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Tacoma?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Tacoma could save roughly $430/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,160/year.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $64,773/year in Tacoma. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tacoma to BoulderBoulder vs Tacoma — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingTacoma cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only