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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Seattle is 36% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,998/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 49%
$121,984/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 42%
$912,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 68%
$2,220/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 37%
741,440
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $987/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $11,844/year.

Median household income is $51,686/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Seattle or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $987/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $51,686/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Santa Clara

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville