Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Seattle is 59% more expensive than Vancouver.

$1,998/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 18%
$121,984/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 36%
$912,100 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 52%
$2,220/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 28%
741,440
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $43,828/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Seattle or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Vancouver?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Vancouver?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $43,828/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Washington?
Both cities are in Washington and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Vancouver details →

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