Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Sarasota is 4% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $71,795 in Sarasota.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sarasota has a housing index of 132 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Sarasota costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Sarasota versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sarasota scores 104 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sarasota (97) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sarasota is $52,147 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sarasota.
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