Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Seattle is 148% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,998/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 37%
$121,984/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 47%
$912,100 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 77%
$2,220/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 47%
741,440
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $734/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $8,808/year.

Median household income is $56,792/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Seattle or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Dearborn?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $734/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Dearborn?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $56,792/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Dearborn

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