Nampa vs Tacoma
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Nampa
Tacoma
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 10.3%, with Nampa being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Nampa has equivalent purchasing power to $83,571 in Tacoma.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Nampa has the same purchasing power as $83,571 in Tacoma.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tacoma equals $67,308 in Nampa.
Living in Nampa vs Tacoma
Housing Costs
Nampa's housing index of 104 is lower Tacoma's 140, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $400,000. The $29,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,884 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,500/mo in Nampa compared to $1,600/mo in Tacoma, a monthly difference of $100.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 105 in Nampa and 105 in Tacoma. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $499/month in Nampa vs $499/month in Tacoma. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 83 in Nampa and 108 in Tacoma. Monthly utility bills average approximately $332 in Nampa 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 102 in Nampa and 106 in Tacoma. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $74,300 in Nampa and $58,974 in Tacoma. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $70,762 and $50,405 respectively. Nampa residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,734/month to housing in Nampa vs $1,376/month in Tacoma. In Nampa, median rent of $1,500/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 Housing, where the gap is 36 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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