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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Orange

California
206

Seattle is 5% cheaper than Orange.

$1,998/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 13%
$121,984/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 4%
$912,100 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$900,700 ↓ 1%
$2,220/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 8%
741,440
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $5,039/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Orange — common questions

Is Seattle or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Orange?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Orange?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $5,039/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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Orange

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