Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Huntington Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 11.7% more expensive than Huntington Beach, CA. This translates to spending an extra $877 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Huntington Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $160,519.481 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 25.5% more expensive than in Huntington Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $3,340/month in Huntington Beach, CA.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $877 more per month than Huntington Beach, CA, or $10519 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $877/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.5K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$877

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.5K

Per year

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

Huntington Beach, CA

Population:192K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.32M

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

112

(12% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Huntington Beach, CA

The Golden State

192K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 192K 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: Huntington Beach, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Huntington Beach, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $1,533more	25.5%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$824/mo	↑ $273more	49.4%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,899/mo	↓ $260less	12.0%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $251more	14.6%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$481/mo	↓ $76.50less	13.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.8%

Housing

↑ 25.5%

Huntington Beach, CA

$6,003

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$1,533

Healthcare

↑ 49.4%

Huntington Beach, CA

$551

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$273

Transportation

↓ 12.0%

Huntington Beach, CA

$2,158

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$260

less

Other

↑ 14.6%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,724

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$251

All Utilities

↓ 13.7%

Huntington Beach, CA

$557

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$76.50

less

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,039

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,770

To$2,180

↓ $590

1 Bed

From$2,830

To$2,260

↓ $570

2 Bed

From$3,340

To$2,630

↓ $710

3 Bed

From$4,530

To$3,440

↓ $1,090

Huntington Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,730–$2,920/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.

$12,034

Monthly in Huntington Beach, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$1,761

Difference

Home Values

Huntington Beach

Seattle

$1.32M

Median Value

$808K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$1.20M - $1.49M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 39% less expensive than Huntington Beach

Calculate payment - Huntington Beach 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

Huntington Beach, 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

Huntington Beach, 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.