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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Seattle and Santa Clarita have a similar cost of living.

$1,998/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 24%
$121,984/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↓ 2%
$912,100 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$721,000 ↓ 21%
$2,220/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 19%
741,440
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $2,058/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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 Clarita — common questions

Is Seattle or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $2,058/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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Santa Clarita

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge