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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Seattle is 64% more expensive than Sacramento.

$1,998/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↓ 15%
$121,984/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↓ 31%
$912,100 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$484,600 ↓ 47%
$2,220/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↓ 21%
741,440
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $304/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $3,648/year.

Median household income is $38,231/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Seattle or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Sacramento?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $304/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Sacramento?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $38,231/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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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