Los Angeles, California vs Seattle, Washington (2026)
Coast-to-coast Pacific: similar costs, different climate and job mix. Figures use public data: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents, Tax Foundation 2026 rates, and ReloFig's transparent moving model (BLS/EIA).
Personalize the comparison
Over 12 months at $100,000/yr: Seattle runs about $18,124 less than Los Angeles in rent + state income tax (tax: $13,300 less; rent: $4,824 less). One-time move cost differs by about $0 (Seattle higher).
| Line | Los Angeles | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (model, 2-BR) | $759–$2,672 | $759–$2,672 |
| 2-BR HUD FY2026 FMR | $2903/mo | $2501/mo |
| State income tax (top marginal) | 13.3% | 0.0% |
| Rent over 12 mo | $34,836 | $30,012 |
| Tax on $100,000 over 12 mo | $13,300 | $0 |
Model estimates only — rent uses HUD FMR (40th percentile), tax uses top-marginal rates (Tax Foundation 2026). Your actual rent and effective rate will differ.
Cost line items (2-bedroom basis)
| Item | Los Angeles | Seattle | Yearly difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (model) | $759–$2,672 | $759–$2,672 | one-time |
| 2-BR rent (HUD FY2026 FMR) | $2903/mo | $2501/mo | $-4,824/yr |
| State income tax (top marginal, $100K) | 13.3% | 0.0% | $13,300/yr |
HUD FMRs are 40th-percentile gross rent benchmarks (huduser.gov). Tax rates are top-marginal (Tax Foundation 2026); your effective rate differs. Move figures are model estimates, not quotes.
Dive deeper
San Francisco to Seattle corridor guide → · California moving guide → · Washington moving guide → · All state guides →