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Cost of Living in
Tacoma
Rank #30
To compile our rankings, we analyzed the factors associated with living costs like housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
Living cost is 23% higher than avg
Families spend upto $10,721/mo on avg
Homeowners spend $10,628/mo on avg
Renters spend $5,570/mo on avg
Cost of Living in
Tacoma
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Tacoma, WA is the #30 Most Expensive City in the U.S.
U.S. Avg.
Tacoma, WA
Difference Diff
Home Price
$532,491
$944,581
77% Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$2,010
47% U.S. Avg.
Tacoma, WA
Difference Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$209.48
5% Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$173.37
13% U.S. Avg.
Tacoma, WA
Difference Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$8.02
18% Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.48
3% Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$4
18% Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$10.3
67% Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$23.2
19% Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.68
6% Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$1.93
5% Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.15
11% Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$4.41
14% Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$1.79
9% Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$1.49
13% Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$16.64
14% Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$5.46
4% Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$7.7
11% Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$3.17
8% Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.05
27% Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$7.68
17% Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$5.12
2% Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.4
$2.87
35% Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$2.02
2% Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.76
19% Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$3.86
31% Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$4.83
3% Margarine (per lb)
$1.3
$1.61
24% Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$4.27
7% Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$4.97
22% Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.19
2% U.S. Avg.
Tacoma, WA
Difference Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$74.47
6% Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$4.01
38% U.S. Avg.
Tacoma, WA
Difference Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$215.59
86% Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$134.37
7% Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$12.8
3% Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$12.48
40% Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$254.13
167% U.S. Avg.
Tacoma, WA
Difference Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$38.59
9% Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$31.19
6% Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$39.33
0% Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$10.34
38% Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$11.4
2% Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$87.79
34% Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$4.12
15% Yoga (per class)
$12
$24.32
103% Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$12.06
3% Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$7.57
61% Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$91.56
16% Women Slacks
$34.88
$42.83
23% Boy Jeans
$29.51
$30.85
5% Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$44.74
15% Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$28
108% Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.45
6% Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$3.96
9% Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$62.21
31% Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$35.19
30% Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$6.63
52% Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$16.07
34% Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$6.48
23% Living in Tacoma costs 23% higher than US average. This means everyday expenses like housing, utilities, and services tend to be higher, which can impact your monthly budget.
- Housing in Tacoma is 77% higher than US average. A median home price of $944,581 versus $532,491 gives you more affordability and greater flexibility when planning for long-term homeownership.
- Renting in Tacoma is 47.0% higher than US average. A median monthly rent of $2,010, compared to $1,367, means you should account for higher monthly payments and tighter budget planning.
- Utilities in Tacoma are 7% lower than US average. Lower electricity costs of $173.37 and phone bills near $209.48 help reduce recurring monthly expenses.
- Food and grocery prices in Tacoma are 7% higher than US average. Everyday items, such as milk at $4.97 per gallon and bread at $4.41 per loaf, contribute to higher weekly grocery bills.
- Transportation costs in Tacoma are 15.34% higher than US average. With gas prices at $4.01 per gallon, along with insurance and maintenance, commuting can quickly become a significant expense.
- Healthcare costs in Tacoma are 40.91% higher than U.S. average. Doctor visits at $215.59 and dental checkups averaging $134.37 can increase out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Miscellaneous expenses in Tacoma are 10.18% higher than US average. From entertainment to personal services and dining out, these everyday extras tend to add up faster. Costs for entertainment, personal services, and dining out can add up fast.
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What is a Cost of Living Calculator?
A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Tacoma cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.
About Cost of Living Data
The data used to determine Tacoma's cost of living is sourced from the
Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).
Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and
the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its
data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in
cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s
data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure
consistency and quality.
For more information, visit
www.coli.org.
Data published as of Oct 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is gas in Tacoma?
The cost of gas in Tacoma averages around $4.01 per gallon. Prices may rise during peak travel seasons or around high-traffic periods like weekends or holidays. Additionally, congestion on major highways and thoroughfares can lead to longer drives and more frequent fill-ups.
Is Tacoma a good place to live?
Yes, Tacoma is a good place to live if you value a desirable climate, access to local amenities, and cultural diversity. It also has major transportation options like airports and well-regarded healthcare facilities. Certain neighborhoods in the city are known for having good schools and community resources.
What is the average cost of living in Tacoma?
The average cost of living in Tacoma, WA, is 23% higher than US average. Some neighborhoods are more expensive, while others offer more affordable living options, depending on local housing, amenities, and lifestyle.
What is the average rent in Tacoma?
A one-bedroom apartment in Tacoma typically rents for $2,010 per month. Prices vary by location, unit size, and amenities. Some neighborhoods are pricier due to convenience or popularity, while others offer more affordable options for residents.
What is the average price of utilities in Tacoma?
Utility costs in Tacoma are 7% lower than US average. This usually includes electricity, water, sewer, and trash, with costs potentially higher during extreme weather months.
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