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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Glendale

California
214

Seattle is 8% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,998/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 5%
$121,984/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 31%
$912,100 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 14%
$2,220/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ≈ Same
741,440
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $37,722/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Glendale — common questions

Is Seattle or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Glendale?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Glendale?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $37,722/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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Glendale

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville