Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Seattle is 277% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,998/mo ↑ 127%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 56%
$121,984/yr ↑ 157%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 61%
$912,100 ↑ 752%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 88%
$2,220/mo ↑ 159%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 61%
741,440
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,118/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $13,416/year.

Median household income is $74,452/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Toledo — common questions

Is Seattle or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Toledo?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $1,118/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Toledo?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $74,452/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Ohio?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Toledo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Toledo

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Toledo vs. Reno Toledo vs. Fort Wayne Toledo vs. North Las Vegas Toledo vs. Lubbock Toledo vs. Gilbert Toledo vs. St. Petersburg