Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Portland and Tacoma have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 107 while Tacoma scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Tacoma (106).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Amazon affiliate links