Moving from Seattle to Tacoma (2026)
Tacoma has a COL index of 114 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$525/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
150114
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,400$1,900
per month
State tax
NoneNone
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Tacoma to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Tacoma |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,400 |
| $50K | $38,000 |
| $60K | $45,600 |
| $75K | $57,000 |
| $80K | $60,800 |
| $100K | $76,000 |
| $120K | $91,200 |
| $150K | $114,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs Tacoma
| Expense | Seattle | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $410 | $399 |
| Transport | $100 | $90 |
| Utilities | $120 | $118 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $2,171 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 114 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to Tacoma?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to Tacoma could save roughly $525/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,300/year.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $57,000/year in Tacoma. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tacoma to SeattleSeattle vs Tacoma — full comparisonSeattle 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