St George vs Tacoma
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
St George
Tacoma
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 6.0%, with St George being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in St George has equivalent purchasing power to $79,773 in Tacoma.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in St George has the same purchasing power as $79,773 in Tacoma.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tacoma equals $70,513 in St George.
Living in St George vs Tacoma
Housing Costs
St George's housing index of 144 is higher Tacoma's 140, translating to median home prices of $550,000 vs $400,000. The $150,000 difference in home prices means roughly $9,756 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,525/mo in St George compared to $1,600/mo in Tacoma, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 100 in St George and 105 in Tacoma. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $475/month in St George vs $499/month in Tacoma. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 87 in St George and 108 in Tacoma. Monthly utility bills average approximately $348 in St George vs $432 in Tacoma. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 96 in St George and 106 in Tacoma. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $72,400 in St George and $58,974 in Tacoma. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $65,818 and $50,405 respectively. St George residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,689/month to housing in St George vs $1,376/month in Tacoma. In St George, median rent of $1,525/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 Utilities, where the gap is 21 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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