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Seattle vs Tacoma: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Seattle is 15% more expensive than Tacoma. Tacoma is 53% safer. Seattle population: 784,777. Tacoma population: 229,816.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingTacoma
SafetyTacoma
HousingTacoma

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Seattle vs Tacoma

Tacoma is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 150 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.

CategorySeattleTacoma
Overall Index150130
Housing$4,272/moIndex: 240$3,382/moIndex: 190
Groceries$451/moIndex: 110$435/moIndex: 106
Transportation$378/moIndex: 108$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$336/moIndex: 105
Utilities$209/moIndex: 95$202/moIndex: 92

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Seattle vs Tacoma

Tacoma is 53% safer overall, with a crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000 residents vs Seattle's 54. Tacoma earns a C+ safety grade compared to Seattle's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

Seattle

Washington

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeC-
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate54/1K
TrendStable
C+

Tacoma

Washington

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25.6/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricSeattleTacoma
Overall Crime Rate54/1K25.6/1K
Violent Crime Rate600.0397.4
Property Crime Rate4800.02165.3
Murder Rate8.96.0
Assault Rate496.5269.5
Robbery Rate84.038.8
Burglary Rate760.1368.1
Theft Rate3673.81575.5
Vehicle Theft Rate541.8423.3

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Seattle, you have a 1 in 19 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 39 in Tacoma.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Seattle. A full comparison requires both cities.

Seattle Climate Overview

Annual High60.1°F
Annual Low45.9°F
Annual Rain37.0"
Annual Snow4.0"
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthJuly
Worst MonthDecember
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle cheaper than Tacoma?
Tacoma is 15% more affordable than Seattle, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 150 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,272/mo in Seattle vs $3,382/mo in Tacoma.
Is Seattle safer than Tacoma?
Tacoma is 53% safer overall, with a crime rate of 25.6 per 1,000 residents vs Seattle's 54. Tacoma earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Seattle or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma is safer (C+ grade). Tacoma is more affordable (index 130 vs 150). Seattle has a population of 784,777 and Tacoma has 229,816. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Seattle compared to Tacoma?
Seattle has a population of 784,777 and Tacoma has 229,816. Seattle is 241% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Seattle or Tacoma?
Housing is cheaper in Tacoma. Estimated monthly housing costs: Seattle $4,272/mo vs Tacoma $3,382/mo. That's based on a housing index of 240 vs 190 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Seattle Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Tacoma Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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