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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Seattle is 11% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,998/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 11%
$121,984/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 15%
$912,100 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 15%
$2,220/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 5%
741,440
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $18,206/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Seattle or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Pasadena?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Pasadena?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $18,206/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Pasadena details →

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