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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Riverside

California
144

Seattle is 36% more expensive than Riverside.

$1,998/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↓ 9%
$121,984/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↓ 27%
$912,100 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$542,100 ↓ 41%
$2,220/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↓ 15%
741,440
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $33,409/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Riverside — common questions

Is Seattle or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Riverside?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Riverside?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $33,409/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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Riverside

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati