Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 0.8% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $149,324.87 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 2.7% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Seattle, WA could save you approximately $56 per month, or $675 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $56.26/month moving to Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.3K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$56.26

Savings

Annual Impact

$675

Per year

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

Santa Ana, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$833K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$808K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 310K 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: Santa Ana, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Healthcare	$554/mo	$824/mo	↑ $270more	48.8%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,899/mo	↓ $260less	12.0%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $244more	14.1%
Housing	$7,749/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $213less	2.7%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$481/mo	↓ $76.50less	13.7%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $38.97more	3.7%

Healthcare

↑ 48.8%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$270

Transportation

↓ 12.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$260

less

Other

↑ 14.1%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$244

Housing

↓ 2.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$213

less

All Utilities

↓ 13.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$76.50

less

Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$38.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$2,180

↓ $25.00

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,260

↑ $5.00

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,630

↓ $30.00

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$3,440

↓ $170

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Santa Ana, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$4.38

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Seattle

$833K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 3% less expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana 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

Santa Ana, 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

Santa Ana, 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.