Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Tacoma is 9% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $68,555 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sacramento scores 104 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) match Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
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