Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Oakland, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 14.4% cheaper than Oakland, CA. This translates to saving $1082 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Oakland, CA, you'd need approximately $137,014.925 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 22.0% cheaper than in Oakland, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,420/month in Oakland, CA.

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

Moving from Oakland, CA to Seattle, WA could save you approximately $1082 per month, or $12985 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.0K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 14.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,082

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.0K

Per year

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

Oakland, CA

Population:441K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$575K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$808K

Oakland, CA

The Golden State

441K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 441K 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: Oakland, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Oakland, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,667/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $2,131less	22.0%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $492more	35.0%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $151more	8.3%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$824/mo	↑ $118more	16.7%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.4%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$481/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.5%

Housing

↓ 22.0%

Oakland, CA

$9,667

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$2,131

less

Transportation

↑ 35.0%

Oakland, CA

$1,407

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$492

Other

↑ 8.3%

Oakland, CA

$1,825

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$151

Healthcare

↑ 16.7%

Oakland, CA

$706

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$118

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Oakland, CA

$1,129

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.5%

Oakland, CA

$464

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$16.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,770

To$2,180

↑ $410

1 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,260

↑ $270

2 Bed

From$2,420

To$2,630

↑ $210

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$3,440

↑ $350

Oakland, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,990–$2,510/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.

$15,199

Monthly in Oakland, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$1,404

Difference

Home Values

Oakland

Seattle

$575K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -9.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↓ -12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$433K - $1.10M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 41% more expensive than Oakland

Calculate payment - Oakland 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

Oakland, 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

Oakland, 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.