Moving from Madison to Tacoma (2026)

Tacoma has a COL index of 114 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 18% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$231 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
97 โ†’ 114
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,650 โ†’ $1,900
per month
State tax
7.7% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
97 โ†’ 114
18% more expensive

Salary needed in Tacoma to match your Madison lifestyle

Based on the 18% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in MadisonEquivalent in Tacoma
$40K$47,010
$50K$58,763
$60K$70,515
$75K$88,144
$80K$94,021
$100K$117,526
$120K$141,031
$150K$176,289

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$249/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Madison vs Tacoma

ExpenseMadisonTacoma
Monthly take-home$4,259$4,741
1BR rent$1,650$1,900
Groceries$384$399
Transport$62$90
Utilities$162$118
Internet$63$63
Left after essentials$1,938$2,171

Frequently asked questions

Is Tacoma cheaper than Madison?

No. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 114 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 18% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Madison to Tacoma?

On a $75K salary, moving from Madison to Tacoma saves roughly $231/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,772/year.

What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Madison lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $88,144/year in Tacoma. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only