Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Seattle is 15% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $64,045 in Seattle.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Irvine scores 108 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) match Seattle (109).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Seattle.
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