Moving from Washington to Tacoma (2026)
Tacoma has a COL index of 114 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Tacoma to match your Washington lifestyle
Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Washington | Equivalent in Tacoma |
|---|---|
| $40K | $29,804 |
| $50K | $37,255 |
| $60K | $44,706 |
| $75K | $55,882 |
| $80K | $59,608 |
| $100K | $74,510 |
| $120K | $89,412 |
| $150K | $111,765 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Washington vs Tacoma
| Expense | Washington | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $3,100 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $422 | $399 |
| Transport | $100 | $90 |
| Utilities | $190 | $118 |
| Internet | $75 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $491 | $2,171 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma cheaper than Washington?
Yes. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 114 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Washington to Tacoma?
On a $75K salary, moving from Washington to Tacoma could save roughly $1,317/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,804/year.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Washington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Washington, you'd need roughly $55,882/year in Tacoma. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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