Accountant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Accountant Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Accountants in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$85,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$49,133 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$41,177 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $85,000▲ | $85,000 | — |
| 25th Percentile | $65,000▲ | $65,000 | — |
| 75th Percentile | $110,000▲ | $110,000 | — |
| 90th Percentile | $138,000▲ | $138,000 | — |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $49,133 | $52,469▲ | -$3,336 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,236 | $78,540▲ | -$7,304 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $41,177 | $48,481▲ | -$7,304 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 16,000 | +19,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $0 more (median: $85,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($49,133 vs $52,469 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.