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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Richmond

California
161

Seattle is 22% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,998/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 5%
$121,984/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 26%
$912,100 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 29%
$2,220/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 9%
741,440
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $31,946/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Richmond — common questions

Is Seattle or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Richmond?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Richmond?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $31,946/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Richmond details →

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