Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Tacoma is 21% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $59,291 in Tacoma.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $350,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boulder scores 107 while Tacoma scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
Amazon affiliate links