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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Seattle and Fullerton have a similar cost of living.

$1,998/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 6%
$121,984/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 15%
$912,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$859,600 ↓ 6%
$2,220/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 1%
741,440
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $17,765/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Seattle or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fullerton?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fullerton?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $17,765/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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Fullerton details →

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