Moving from Chicago to Tacoma (2026)
Tacoma has a COL index of 114 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 7% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$53 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
107114
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,900
per month
State tax
4.9%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,434$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Tacoma to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Tacoma |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,617 |
| $50K | $53,271 |
| $60K | $63,925 |
| $75K | $79,907 |
| $80K | $85,234 |
| $100K | $106,542 |
| $120K | $127,850 |
| $150K | $159,813 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Tacoma
| Expense | Chicago | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $388 | $399 |
| Transport | $105 | $90 |
| Utilities | $165 | $118 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,171 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma cheaper than Chicago?
No. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 114 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 7% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Tacoma?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Tacoma could save roughly $53/month on core expenses. That's ~$636/year.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $79,907/year in Tacoma. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tacoma to ChicagoChicago vs Tacoma — full comparisonChicago 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