Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Columbus is 21% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $59,615 in Columbus.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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