Seattle, Washington, and Central Contra Costa, California, are two distinctive areas in the United States, each with their unique appeal and way of life. The port city of Seattle is renowned for its vibrant urban life, tech industry, and picturesque waterfront, whereas Central Contra Costa in the Bay Area offers a more suburban lifestyle and is known for its top-notch education system and outdoor recreational activities. This comparative analysis considers various aspects like safety, cost of living, economy, and more to give a comprehensive view of living or visiting these regions.
Seattle has a higher crime rate than Central Contra Costa, although it's concentrated primarily in certain neighborhoods. Efforts have been ongoing to improve safety measures across the city, and the downtown areas and residential districts remain quite safe. Central Contra Costa has a relatively lower crime rate, with a robust local law enforcement and community-based safety initiatives ensuring its neighborhoods remain safe. Both regions ensure tourist safety, with local police maintaining a visible presence in major tourist locations.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Seattle is generally higher than the national average, primarily due to high housing costs. The city meanwhile offers attractive salaries, especially in booming sectors like technology. Central Contra Costa's cost of living is also above the national average, though slightly lower than Seattle. Both areas have numerous high-end and budget-friendly options for visitors.
Income Tax
One of the financial advantages of living in Seattle is Washington's lack of state income tax. In contrast, California has a progressive income tax system, and Central Contra Costa residents are subject to it.
Property Tax
Seattle's property tax rate is relatively high, but it's worth noting that there's no state income tax in Washington. Central Contra Costa has a lower property tax rate, but the high property values can lead to significant property tax bills.
Sales Tax
The sales tax is higher in Seattle (10.1%) due to Washington's reliance on sales tax versus income tax. Central Contra Costa has a lower sales tax rate (8.25%) as California applies both income and sales taxes.
Income
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$110,781
$127,452
Estimated per capita income
$74,733
$68,702
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
118.5
139.1
If you make $50,000 in Seattle, you will have to make $58,692 in Central Contra Costa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Seattle is characterized by an urban landscape surrounded by water and mountains, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Central Contra Costa is in a valley surrounded by the Suisun Bay and the Diablo and Briones mountain ranges, offering beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.
Geographical information
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Land area
83.9 sq. miles
261.3 sq. miles
Population density
8,750.4 people per sq. mile
1,863.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Seattle, WA Central Contra Costa, CA
Education
Seattle and Central Contra Costa boast reputable education systems. Seattle is home to renowned institutions like the University of Washington and Seattle University. Central Contra Costa's school district is well-regarded in California, and it's close to universities in Berkeley and San Francisco. From an educational standpoint, both regions provide excellent opportunities for families and students alike.
Seattle's economy is powered by a diverse range of industries, including technology, aerospace, and healthcare, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Central Contra Costa has a robust economy with industries that include healthcare, education, and professional services. Both regions offer ample job opportunities, though Seattle may have more opportunities in tech-related industries.
Biggest Employers
Seattle hosts numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon and Microsoft, who are among the city's largest employers. Central Contra Costa’s biggest employers include John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente, along with the Mount Diablo Unified School District.
In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Central Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
2020
75.1%
71.8%
22.3%
26.4%
2.6%
1.8%
2016
70.0%
67.5%
21.1%
24.5%
8.9%
8.0%
2012
69.0%
66.2%
28.5%
31.1%
2.5%
2.7%
2008
70.2%
68.0%
28.1%
30.2%
1.7%
1.8%
2004
65.1%
62.6%
33.8%
36.7%
1.1%
0.7%
2000
60.3%
59.0%
34.5%
37.2%
5.2%
3.8%
1996
56.4%
55.7%
31.4%
35.2%
12.2%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
14.4%
21.8%
4.9%
5.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.3%
0.5%
4.7%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
2.4%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.3%
2.9%
2.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.6%
1.0%
1.4%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.3%
2.3%
1.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
2.0%
2.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.3%
1.3%
3.8%
10.0%
Weather
Seattle's weather is famous for its drizzle and a cooler, marine climate with mild, damp winters, and summers that are moderately warm. On the contrary, Central Contra Costa enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. For people relocating or visiting, Seattle offers constant greenery due to frequent rain, while Central Contra Costa offers ample sunshine, hence more outdoor activities like hiking and beach-going.
Weather and climate
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
52.5°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.5%
82.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
29.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
88.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
58.8%
Precipitation - Yearly average
36.6 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
21.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
11.6%
27.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.4%
73.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
44%
22.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
77.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
20%
54.7%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Average climate in Central Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
2018
82
105
0.21
0.32
10.6
6.9
20.7
22.1
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
8.3
13.3
0.7
0.6
2017
92
102
0.23
0.30
11.1
7.0
21.0
25.9
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
8.8
11.9
0.3
0.7
2016
67
86
0.22
0.28
11.9
6.5
20.3
25.2
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
6.6
6.5
0.6
0.8
2015
81
94
0.23
0.34
10.8
7.6
19.3
25.8
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
8.5
8.8
0.8
0.5
2014
75
95
0.24
0.35
11.5
7.8
19.5
25.2
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
7.4
6.9
N/A
0.5
2013
81
93
0.24
0.34
N/A
9.3
17.4
21.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
9.1
7.8
0.8
0.5
2012
77
93
0.23
0.32
N/A
8.5
19.5
25.2
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
7.7
8.3
1.0
0.3
2011
72
99
0.24
0.35
N/A
9.0
18.6
23.0
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
7.5
9.8
1.1
0.6
2010
71
93
0.24
0.31
N/A
8.6
18.0
23.2
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
6.7
8.5
1.1
0.5
2009
94
104
0.27
0.31
N/A
9.5
17.7
23.7
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
8.0
10.3
1.4
0.6
2008
80
120
0.30
0.36
N/A
10.2
17.8
26.1
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
6.5
12.1
1.3
0.8
2007
83
104
0.30
0.36
N/A
10.7
18.2
24.1
N/A
0.006
20.3
N/A
7.9
9.7
1.5
0.7
2006
98
109
N/A
0.39
N/A
10.9
18.3
26.0
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.7
11.1
N/A
0.8
2005
101
104
0.80
0.43
18.3
11.6
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
24.5
N/A
9.5
10.4
3.5
1.0
2004
102
112
0.81
0.46
17.9
12.4
N/A
22.6
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
10.3
11.9
3.0
1.1
2003
91
84
0.78
0.51
18.5
13.4
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
2.4
0.7
2002
87
88
0.82
0.51
19.3
14.7
N/A
23.3
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
2.7
0.9
2001
88
90
0.90
0.56
20.7
15.4
N/A
22.1
0.005
0.008
N/A
N/A
12.3
N/A
3.7
1.2
2000
98
95
1.06
0.67
20.9
15.9
N/A
20.8
N/A
0.013
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
3.2
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
5.5%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,394.2%
7,786.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
30%
18%
Transportation
Seattle offers efficient public transportation options, including buses, light rail, and ferries. Central Contra Costa’s public transit includes buses and the BART train system, which conveniently connects it to San Francisco. Traffic congestion can be an issue in both regions, particularly during peak hours.
Transport
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Bicycle
2.1%
0.5%
Bus
8.9%
1%
Carpooled
8.7%
9.9%
Car alone
67.8%
72.3%
Ferryboat
0.7%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
1.2%
0.8%
Streetcar
0.3%
0.1%
Subway
0.6%
7.7%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
8%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Average
35 min
31.8 min
Real Estate
Seattle's real estate market is diverse and dynamic, ranging from historic homes to luxurious modern condos, but prices and rents are high. Real estate in Central Contra Costa is generally more affordable than Seattle, offering options from single-family homes to townhouses and condos.
Neighborhoods
Seattle's neighborhoods each have their own unique ambience, from the lively, artsy Capitol Hill to the serene, family-friendly Green Lake. Central Contra Costa features suburban neighborhoods characterized by quiet residential blocks and community parks. Both regions have neighborhoods that cater to varying lifestyle needs.
Houses and residents
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
Houses
384,799
183,777
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.5
Houses occupied
351,650 (91.4%)
179,136 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
161,587 (46%)
127,889 (71.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
190,063 (54%)
51,247 (28.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,780
$2,527
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$860,506
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
$848,100
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.5
Renting percentage
51.9%
30.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
4,587.9
703.4
Household income disparities
42.2%
35.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,459 (2.1%)
20,208 (18.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,354 (10.5%)
418 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
115,481 (97.9%)
90,899 (81.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
240 (0.2%)
13,612 (12.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,881 (11.8%)
13,614 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.2%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,994
22,217
State government workers
27,235
6,705
Unpaid family workers
947
617
Industries and Occupations
While both regions house diverse industries, technology dominates in Seattle due to the presence of tech giants. Occupations in software development, engineering, and IT management are common. In Central Contra Costa, industries like healthcare, education, and public administration are significant, with occupations ranging from nursing and teaching to management roles.
Seattle boasts a high-quality healthcare system, with renowned institutions like the University of Washington Medical Center. Central Contra Costa also offers excellent healthcare services, with John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente being notable providers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Seattle offers modern infrastructure, with a blend of high-rise buildings, historic structures, and efficient transportation networks. Central Contra Costa, meanwhile, offers suburban developments, well-maintained roads, and a reliable utility grid. Both regions have been investing in sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Seattle
Central Contra Costa
TV stations
17
24
Culture and Food
Seattle is known for its vibrant arts scene, music heritage, coffee culture, and seafood cuisine. Central Contra Costa incorporates a laid-back California lifestyle with cultural diversity, offering cuisines from around the world and numerous local wineries.
Sports Teams
Both regions have a strong sports culture. Seattle is home to the Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), and Sounders (MLS). Central Contra Costa residents usually support Bay Area teams like the Golden State Warriors (NBA), San Francisco 49ers (NFL), and the San Francisco Giants (MLB).
Seattle, WA
Central Contra Costa, CA
Seattle, WA and 
Central Contra Costa, CA : 670.9 miles
