Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Tacoma is 3% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $72,521 in Tacoma.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
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