Accountant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Accountant Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Accountants in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$66,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$65,347 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$56,908 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $85,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 | $65,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,000 | $110,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,000 | $138,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $65,347▲ | $52,469 | +$12,878 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $57,477 | $78,540▲ | -$21,063 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $56,908▲ | $48,481 | +$8,427 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 16,000 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $19,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($65,347 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.