Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Everett, WA (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Berkeley is 83% more expensive than Everett.

$2,127/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↓ 21%
$108,558/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↓ 25%
$1,351,100 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$532,300 ↓ 61%
$2,340/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↓ 26%
120,223
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Everett, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $27,056/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Everett — common questions

Is Berkeley or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Everett is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Everett?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Everett?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $27,056/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Everett details →

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