Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Tempe is 9% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $67,949 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Washington salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tacoma has a housing index of 140 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Tacoma costs $400,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Tacoma versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Tacoma scores 105 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tacoma (106) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Tacoma is $58,974 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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