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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fresno

California
101

Seattle is 94% more expensive than Fresno.

$1,998/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↓ 34%
$121,984/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↓ 45%
$912,100 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$348,500 ↓ 62%
$2,220/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↓ 37%
741,440
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $55,180/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fresno — common questions

Is Seattle or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fresno?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fresno?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $55,180/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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Fresno details →

More Comparisons

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