Austin is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Tacoma to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,932
$1,944
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,883
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$92,626
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$479,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$4,482
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$148
👥 People living there
979,539
222,758
Commute to work
23.7 min
28.8 min
College degree
59.6%
34.5%
Own their home
43.4%
55.8%
Below poverty line
12%
12.4%
Unemployment
4.7%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Tacoma for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $57,280 | +110% in Tacoma |
| Firefighter | $58,830 | $101,090 | +72% in Tacoma |
| Electrician | $60,390 | $101,780 | +69% in Tacoma |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,270 | $102,920 | +68% in Tacoma |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $76,410 | +52% in Tacoma |
| Plumber | $62,810 | $95,230 | +52% in Tacoma |
| Police Officer | $82,290 | $115,120 | +40% in Tacoma |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | $51,990 | +35% in Tacoma |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Austin is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,932 a month there versus $1,944 in Tacoma.
What salary do I need in Tacoma to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $67,995 a year gives the same standard of living in Tacoma.
Where do people earn more, Austin or Tacoma?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $92,626 in Tacoma, 9% more in Austin.