Median rent is 20% lower in Tacoma ($1,597/mo vs $1,998/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tacoma, where the median home runs $454,600 versus $912,100. Households earn more in Seattle ($121,984 vs $83,857 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (114.0).
City A
Seattle, WA
City B
Tacoma, WA
How much would you need to earn in Tacoma, WA to maintain your standard of living from Seattle, WA?
Equivalent salary in Tacoma, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Seattle
Washington
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 $1,998/mo in Seattle (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $912,100 versus $454,600 in Tacoma — 50% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Washington and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 6.50% in Washington; Tacoma has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Seattle
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Tacoma
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Tacoma has cleaner air on average: 16.0 AQI (Good) compared to 37.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($121,984/yr).
Pick Tacoma if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,597/mo median).
Pick Tacoma if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 16.0).
Is Seattle cheaper than Tacoma?
Seattle is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 114.0 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Seattle.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Tacoma?
Median rent is $1,998/mo in Seattle, WA and $1,597/mo in Tacoma, WA. Tacoma, WA has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Seattle or Tacoma?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle, WA and $83,857 in Tacoma, WA. Seattle, 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 37.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Seattle or Tacoma?
Both Washington and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match my Seattle income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Seattle, WA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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