Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Seattle

Washington
196

Los Angeles is 5% cheaper than Seattle.

$1,879/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,998/mo ↑ 6%
$80,366/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$121,984/yr ↑ 52%
$879,500 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$912,100 ↑ 4%
$2,055/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,220/mo ↑ 8%
3,857,897
Population
741,440

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 196 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $41,618/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $912,100 in Seattle.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Seattle — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Seattle?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Seattle it's $1,998/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Seattle?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $121,984 in Seattle. Median household income is $41,618/year higher in Seattle.
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 Los Angeles or Seattle?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Seattle has a cost index of 196 with rent of $1,998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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