Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Seattle is 29% more expensive than Arvada.

$1,998/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 10%
$121,984/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 7%
$912,100 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 34%
$2,220/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 12%
741,440
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $8,588/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Arvada — common questions

Is Seattle or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Arvada?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Arvada?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $8,588/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Colorado?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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