Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Asheville is 8% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $69,231 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) match Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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