Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Phoenix is 15% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $64,103 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Phoenix scores 99 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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