Portland, OR vs Tacoma, WA: Cost of Living Comparison
Tacoma has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Portland | Tacoma | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 134 | 118 | Tacoma |
| Housing | 160 ($1,117) | 131 ($1,118) | Tacoma |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Tacoma |
| Food & groceries | 119 ($488) | 112 ($459) | Tacoma |
| Utilities | 130 ($288) | 116 ($236) | Tacoma |
| Healthcare | 130 ($208) | 116 ($170) | Tacoma |
| Median annual wage | 118 ($57,000) | 130 ($62,990) | Portland |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland, OR or Tacoma, WA cheaper to live in?
Tacoma, WA is cheaper overall by about 16 index points (Portland, OR: 134, Tacoma, WA: 118; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Portland, OR vs Tacoma, WA?
A single adult needs roughly $46,900/year in Portland, OR and $41,300/year in Tacoma, WA to cover basic living costs.