Seattle, WA vs Tacoma, WA: Cost of Living Comparison
Tacoma has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Seattle | Tacoma | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 193 | 118 | Tacoma |
| Housing | 262 ($1,399) | 131 ($1,118) | Tacoma |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Seattle |
| Food & groceries | 163 ($668) | 112 ($459) | Tacoma |
| Utilities | 181 ($472) | 116 ($236) | Tacoma |
| Healthcare | 181 ($341) | 116 ($170) | Tacoma |
| Median annual wage | 130 ($62,990) | 130 ($62,990) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle, WA or Tacoma, WA cheaper to live in?
Tacoma, WA is cheaper overall by about 75 index points (Seattle, WA: 193, Tacoma, WA: 118; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Seattle, WA vs Tacoma, WA?
A single adult needs roughly $67,550/year in Seattle, WA and $41,300/year in Tacoma, WA to cover basic living costs.