Free comparison
Moving from Washington to California
A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side. vs. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.
Washington
Capital: Olympia
Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days
Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.
California
Capital: Sacramento
Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days
Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.
California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.
Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.
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See the full comparisonFrequently asked
Is it cheaper to live in California than Washington?
California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.
What's the income tax difference?
Washington tops out at 0% income tax. California tops out at 13.3%.
How long do I have to register my vehicle in California?
Most California residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.