California
Moderate tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 3 categories
Washington
Moderate tax burden · COL index 117
Wins 13 categories
Washington has no state income tax. California's top rate is 13.3%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 21% higher than Washington (index 117). The median home in California costs $790K vs $570K in Washington.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
3
California
13
Washington
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Can you live comfortably on $70,000 a year in California?
Why are people moving from California to Washington?
About 140 Californians move to Washington state every single day. That's not a trend — it's a sustained, years-long migration driven by taxes, housing costs, career opportunities, and for a growing number of people, the question of where it's safe to build a life long-term.
Who has higher taxes, CA or WA?
What does Washington have that California doesn't?
One significant difference is that Washington does not have a state income tax, a significant advantage for those looking to move. However, the state compensates for this by imposing high combined property and local sales tax rates.