Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$112,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ San Diego, CA
$73,684 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$61,753 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $112,000 | $115,000▲ | -$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,000 | $88,000▲ | -$3,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,000 | $148,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,000 | $180,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,684▲ | $70,988 | +$2,696 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $93,864 | $106,260▲ | -$12,396 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $61,753 | $65,593▲ | -$3,840 |
| Total Employment | 25,000 | 32,000 | -7,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $3,000 more (median: $112,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), San Diego, CA provides better purchasing power ($73,684 vs $70,988 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.