Median rent is 15% lower in Tacoma ($1,597/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tacoma, where the median home runs $454,600 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Tacoma ($83,857 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Los Angeles is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.3 against 114.0 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Tacoma, WA.
Quick verdict
Los Angeles is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 113.3 in Los Angeles vs 114.0 in Tacoma (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Tacoma, WA
How much would you need to earn in Tacoma, WA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Tacoma, WA
$75,471
You'd need $471 more (1% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Tacoma
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Tacoma at $1,597/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $454,600 in Tacoma — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Tacoma a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.50% in Washington; Tacoma has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Tacoma
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Tacoma has cleaner air on average: 16.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Tacoma if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,597/mo median).
Pick Tacoma if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 16.0).
Pick Tacoma if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Tacoma?
Los Angeles is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.3 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Los Angeles.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Tacoma?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,597/mo in Tacoma, WA. Tacoma, WA has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Tacoma?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $83,857 in Tacoma, WA. Tacoma, WA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Tacoma, WA has better air quality on average: 16.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Tacoma?
Washington has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,628 in Tacoma, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology