Affordable Alternatives to Tacoma
Cities ranked by lifestyle match — walkability, job market, and cost of living — not just the cheapest price tag.
COL Index114100 = US avg
1BR Rent$1,900/mo
Walk Score54/100
State Income TaxNone
Best overall alternatives
Ranked by lifestyle match: savings potential, walkability, and economic opportunity — not just cheapest price.
Best Match
🌻 Cincinnati
Ohio, OH
24% cheaper
vs. Tacoma
COL 87
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,300/mo
Monthly savings$600/mo
Walk score54/100
Median income$57K/yr
🍺 Madison
Wisconsin, WI
15% cheaper
vs. Tacoma
COL 97
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,650/mo
Monthly savings$250/mo
Walk score55/100
Median income$68K/yr
Moving to Cincinnati saves you $600/mo. Put it to work while you plan.
High-yield savings accounts — top rates today
Stay in Washington
Cheaper cities within Washington — same state laws, familiar surroundings.
More affordable metros
All other established metros cheaper than Tacoma, sorted by cost of living.
Tacoma at a glance
114
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,900
1BR rent
per month
$500K
Home price
median
None
State tax
income
Cities with similar cost of living
COL data: Numbeo, Zillow, BLS · Walk scores: Walk Score® · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only