Lacey, WA vs Tukwila, WA

Lacey, WA and Tukwila, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.4% difference in their overall index. Lacey scores 127 while Tukwila scores 132 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lacey is $1,805/month compared to $1,786/month in Tukwila — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Tukwila has cheaper rent, Lacey actually has lower median home values ($427,900 vs $462,800).

Median household income in Lacey is $87,277 compared to $80,534 in Tukwila (+8.4%). Lacey offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lacey spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, less than the 26.6% in Tukwila.

Climate-wise, Tukwila is notably warmer with an average of 53.7°F compared to 50.5°F in Lacey. Lacey receives more rainfall at 50.6" per year compared to 39.3" in Tukwila.