Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Tacoma is 34% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $49,298 in Tacoma.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $650,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Irvine scores 108 while Tacoma scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are higher than Tacoma (106).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
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