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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Ontario

California
152

Seattle is 29% more expensive than Ontario.

$1,998/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↓ 4%
$121,984/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 32%
$912,100 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 38%
$2,220/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 11%
741,440
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $39,178/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Ontario — common questions

Is Seattle or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Ontario?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Ontario?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $39,178/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Ontario

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa