Sacramento vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 21% more expensive than Sacramento overall. Seattle (WA) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Seattle is a considerably more expensive place to live overall compared to Sacramento. The most substantial difference stems from housing costs, which are dramatically higher in Seattle. While other categories like transportation, food, and miscellaneous expenses also contribute to Seattle's elevated cost of living, the housing market creates the biggest gap. Sacramento offers a more budget-friendly option across nearly all major spending categories, making it a more accessible choice for many.
Housing
Housing costs show the most significant disparity between the two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Seattle than in Sacramento. While both feature a mix of housing types, Seattle's market is notably tighter, with higher prices for single-family homes and rental units. Property taxes and insurance, while varying, will reflect these higher values in Seattle, adding to the overall cost of homeownership there.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ, with Seattle generally being more costly. Transportation, food, and healthcare expenses are all higher in Seattle. A key difference for take-home pay is the absence of a state income tax in Washington, which contrasts with California's state income tax. However, utility costs are noticeably more affordable in Seattle. Despite this, the cumulative effect of other daily spending categories makes Sacramento the more economical choice for everyday living.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. Sacramento, with its Mediterranean climate, experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, while Seattle is known for its temperate, rainy climate and lush greenery. Sacramento offers a more relaxed pace and a generally lower density feel. Seattle, a major port city, is denser with a more urban character and robust public transportation options, set against a backdrop of mountains and water.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Seattle presents a much higher cost of living across the board, primarily driven by its expensive housing market. While the lack of state income tax in Washington offers some relief, it is largely offset by higher prices for homes, rent, and most daily necessities. Sacramento offers a more affordable entry point into homeownership and a generally lower expense burden for everyday life.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 155 |
| Housing index | 132 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 110 | 123 |
| Food index | 108 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 125 | 105 |
| Misc index | 105 | 118 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.