Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Tacoma is 5% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $71,341 in Tacoma.
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. Scottsdale has a housing index of 162 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Scottsdale costs $580,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Scottsdale versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Scottsdale scores 103 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Scottsdale (95) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Scottsdale is $92,298 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
Amazon affiliate links