Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Glendale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 6.3% more expensive than Glendale, CA. This translates to spending an extra $469 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Glendale, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Glendale, CA, you'd need approximately $155,631.619 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Glendale, CA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 15.7% more expensive than in Glendale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,418/month in Glendale, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Glendale, CA to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $469 more per month than Glendale, CA, or $5632 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Glendale, CA vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Glendale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $469/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$469

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Glendale, CA

Population:187K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.15M

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Glendale, CA

The Golden State

187K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 187K residents.

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Glendale, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Glendale, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,515/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $1,022more	15.7%
Other	$1,617/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $359more	22.2%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$824/mo	↑ $289more	53.9%
Transportation	$2,016/mo	$1,899/mo	↓ $117less	5.8%
Groceries	$1,005/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $73.86more	7.3%
All Utilities	$539/mo	$481/mo	↓ $57.81less	10.7%

Housing

↑ 15.7%

Glendale, CA

$6,515

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$1,022

Other

↑ 22.2%

Glendale, CA

$1,617

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$359

Healthcare

↑ 53.9%

Glendale, CA

$535

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$289

Transportation

↓ 5.8%

Glendale, CA

$2,016

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$117

less

Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Glendale, CA

$1,005

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$73.86

All Utilities

↓ 10.7%

Glendale, CA

$539

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$57.81

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,731

To$2,180

↑ $449

1 Bed

From$1,941

To$2,260

↑ $319

2 Bed

From$2,418

To$2,630

↑ $212

3 Bed

From$3,065

To$3,440

↑ $375

Glendale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,550/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,227

Monthly in Glendale, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$1,568

Difference

Home Values

Glendale

Seattle

$1.15M

Median Value

$808K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +29.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$760K - $1.69M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 30% less expensive than Glendale

Calculate payment - Glendale Calculate payment - Seattle

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Glendale, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Glendale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.