Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Ontario, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 44.5% more expensive than Ontario, CA. This translates to spending an extra $3340 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Ontario, CA, you'd need approximately $190,084.034 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 104.2% more expensive than in Ontario, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,580/month in Ontario, CA.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $3340 more per month than Ontario, CA, or $40084 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Ontario, 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 Ontario, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.1K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 44.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,340

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.1K

Per year

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

Ontario, CA

Population:182K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$672K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

145

(45% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Ontario, CA

The Golden State

182K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 182K 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: Ontario, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Ontario, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,690/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $3,846more	104.2%
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

↑ 104.2%

Ontario, CA

$3,690

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$3,846

Healthcare

↑ 49.4%

Ontario, CA

$551

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$273

Transportation

↓ 12.0%

Ontario, CA

$2,158

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$260

less

Other

↑ 14.6%

Ontario, CA

$1,724

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$251

All Utilities

↓ 13.7%

Ontario, CA

$557

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$76.50

less

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Ontario, CA

$1,039

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,980

To$2,180

↑ $200

1 Bed

From$2,080

To$2,260

↑ $180

2 Bed

From$2,580

To$2,630

↑ $50.00

3 Bed

From$3,410

To$3,440

↑ $30.00

Ontario, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,240/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.

$9,721

Monthly in Ontario, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$4,074

Difference

Home Values

Ontario

Seattle

$672K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +34.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$623K - $683K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 20% more expensive than Ontario

Calculate payment - Ontario 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

Ontario, 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

Ontario, 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.