Scranton vs Tacoma
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Scranton
Tacoma
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 23.1%, with Scranton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Scranton has equivalent purchasing power to $97,500 in Tacoma.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Scranton has the same purchasing power as $97,500 in Tacoma.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tacoma equals $57,692 in Scranton.
Living in Scranton vs Tacoma
Housing Costs
Scranton's housing index of 65 is lower Tacoma's 140, translating to median home prices of $195,000 vs $400,000. The $205,000 difference in home prices means roughly $13,320 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,025/mo in Scranton compared to $1,600/mo in Tacoma, a monthly difference of $575.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Scranton and 105 in Tacoma. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Scranton vs $499/month in Tacoma. Scranton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Scranton and 108 in Tacoma. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Scranton vs $432 in Tacoma. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 90 in Scranton and 106 in Tacoma. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 16-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $49,500 in Scranton and $58,974 in Tacoma. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $55,000 and $50,405 respectively. Scranton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,155/month to housing in Scranton vs $1,376/month in Tacoma. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo fits within this budget. In Tacoma, median rent of $1,600/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 75 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases