California vs Washington
A side-by-side comparison of California and Washington — taxes, housing, income, and cost of living — with a salary-equivalence calculator for anyone considering the move.
| State income tax | 1.0%–13.3% | None |
| Median home price | $775,550 | $603,870 |
| Median household income | $100,149 | $99,389 |
| Monthly cost of living | $4,097 | $3,959 |
| Electricity (¢/kWh) | 35.25 | 14.36 |
Salary equivalence
buys the same lifestyle as $89,055 in Washington
Washington costs 96.6% of California's cost of living; figure accounts for both states' income taxes. An estimate, not financial advice.
California vs Washington: what the numbers say
Thinking about moving from California to Washington? Here's how the two states line up on the numbers that shape your budget. The headline difference is tax: Washington has no state income tax, while California charges 1.0%–13.3%. Moving from California to Washington can noticeably raise your take-home pay.
Housing is usually the biggest factor. A typical home costs $775,550 in California versus $603,870 in Washington — Washington is cheaper by about $171,680. Overall cost of living runs $4,097 a month in California and $3,959 in Washington for a single adult, and the typical household earns $100,149 versus $99,389.
Because prices differ, the same paycheck stretches differently: Washington's cost of living is about 96.6% of California's. Use the calculator above to see exactly what your California salary would need to be in Washington to keep the same lifestyle, taxes included.
Income matters too, not just costs. The typical household earns $100,149 in California versus $99,389 in Washington, so a state that looks pricier on paper can still come out ahead if local pay is higher. That's why the salary-equivalence figure — which folds in both taxes and cost of living — is a better guide for a move than any single cost-of-living index on its own.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to live in California or Washington?
- Washington has the lower typical monthly cost of living for a single adult. The table above breaks down housing, taxes, and more, and the calculator shows the salary equivalence between the two.
- What salary do I need in Washington to match California?
- It depends on your current salary and filing status. Enter them in the calculator above to see the Washington salary that preserves your California purchasing power after taxes and cost-of-living differences.
Explore further
Dig into either state on its own, or compare a different pair.
Other popular comparisons