Denton vs Tacoma
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Denton
Tacoma
The Verdict
Living in Denton costs 7.7% less than Tacoma. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Denton, you would need $81,250 in Tacoma.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Denton has the same purchasing power as $81,250 in Tacoma.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tacoma equals $69,231 in Denton.
Living in Denton vs Tacoma
Housing Costs
Denton's housing index of 126 is lower Tacoma's 140, translating to median home prices of $385,000 vs $400,000. The $15,000 difference in home prices means roughly $972 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,425/mo in Denton compared to $1,600/mo in Tacoma, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Denton and 105 in Tacoma. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Denton vs $499/month in Tacoma. Denton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 90 in Denton and 108 in Tacoma. Monthly utility bills average approximately $360 in Denton vs $432 in Tacoma. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Denton and 106 in Tacoma. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 25-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,700 in Denton and $58,974 in Tacoma. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $68,241 and $50,405 respectively. Denton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,720/month to housing in Denton vs $1,376/month in Tacoma. In Denton, median rent of $1,425/mo fits within this budget. In Tacoma, median rent of $1,600/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 25 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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