Moving from Portland to Tacoma (2026)
Tacoma has a COL index of 114 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$32/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
125114
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,900
per month
State tax
9.9%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Tacoma to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Tacoma |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,480 |
| $50K | $45,600 |
| $60K | $54,720 |
| $75K | $68,400 |
| $80K | $72,960 |
| $100K | $91,200 |
| $120K | $109,440 |
| $150K | $136,800 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Tacoma
| Expense | Portland | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $407 | $399 |
| Transport | $100 | $90 |
| Utilities | $130 | $118 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $2,171 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 114 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Tacoma?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Tacoma could save roughly $32/month on core expenses. That's ~$384/year.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $68,400/year in Tacoma. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tacoma to PortlandPortland vs Tacoma — full comparisonPortland 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