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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fremont

California
278

Seattle is 29% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,998/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 45%
$121,984/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 45%
$912,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 41%
$2,220/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 35%
741,440
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $54,366/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fremont — common questions

Is Seattle or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fremont?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fremont?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $54,366/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Fremont details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Fremont

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