Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Tacoma is 30% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $52,861 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. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while Tacoma scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
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