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San Diego vs Tacoma: which is cheaper?

About the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $59,596 in Tacoma to live the same way.

🏠 Rent per month
$3,011
$1,944
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$1,883
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$92,626
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$479,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$4,482
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$148
👥 People living there
1,389,526
222,758
Commute to work
23.5 min
28.8 min
College degree
51%
34.5%
Own their home
47.3%
55.8%
Below poverty line
11%
12.4%
Unemployment
6%
5.6%

Bottom line

Pay for the same job

JobSan DiegoTacomaDifference
Server (Waiter/Waitress)$35,850$57,280+60% in Tacoma
Firefighter$70,900$101,090+43% in Tacoma
Electrician$76,160$101,780+34% in Tacoma
Plumber$72,510$95,230+31% in Tacoma
Market Research Analyst$79,440$102,170+29% in Tacoma
Medical Assistant$49,420$61,500+24% in Tacoma
Operations Manager$119,600$146,030+22% in Tacoma
Cashier$37,020$44,210+19% in Tacoma

Frequently asked questions

Is San Diego or Tacoma cheaper to live in?

San Diego and Tacoma cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.

What salary do I need in Tacoma to match $60,000 in San Diego?

About $59,596 a year gives the same standard of living in Tacoma.

Where do people earn more, San Diego or Tacoma?

The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $92,626 in Tacoma, 26% more in San Diego.

More comparisons

All San Diego comparisons → · All Tacoma comparisons →

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