State Comparison
California vs Washington
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Washington leads in 11 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $785,000 in California vs $560,000 in Washington — a $225,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: California has a 13.3% top income tax rate while Washington has no income tax. Property tax rates are 0.76% vs 0.87%.
- 4
Cost of Living: California's index is 142.2 and Washington's is 110.7 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real California and Washington data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California or Washington more affordable?
Washington has a lower cost of living index (110.7) compared to California (142.2), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — California or Washington?
Overall, Washington has a lower combined tax burden. California has a 13.3% top income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.76% property tax. Washington has no income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.87% property tax.
What are housing costs in California vs Washington?
The median home price in California is $785,000 compared to $560,000 in Washington. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $2,150/month in California vs $1,695/month in Washington.
Which state is better for starting a business — California or Washington?
LLC filing costs are $70 in California vs $180 in Washington, with annual fees of $800 and $60 respectively. California's 13.3% top tax rate compared to Washington's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from California to Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Washington wins in 11 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing California and Washington
When deciding between living in California or Washington, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
California (CA) has a median household income of $91,905 with a cost of living index of 142.2. Washington (WA) has a median household income of $82,228 with a cost of living index of 110.7.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free California calculator or Washington calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.