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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Seattle is 43% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,998/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 53%
$121,984/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 49%
$912,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 99%
$2,220/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 36%
741,440
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,067/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $12,804/year.

Median household income is $59,878/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Seattle or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,067/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $59,878/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Sunnyvale

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston