Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Tacoma is 27% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $54,844 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Diego scores 107 while Tacoma scores 105.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
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