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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Ventura

California
183

Seattle is 7% more expensive than Ventura.

$1,998/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 5%
$121,984/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 18%
$912,100 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 15%
$2,220/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 5%
741,440
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $21,577/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Ventura — common questions

Is Seattle or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Ventura?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Ventura?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $21,577/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Ventura

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