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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Seattle is 8% more expensive than Anaheim.

$1,998/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 4%
$121,984/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↓ 26%
$912,100 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$771,700 ↓ 15%
$2,220/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↓ 2%
741,440
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $31,401/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Seattle or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Anaheim?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Anaheim?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $31,401/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Anaheim

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