Which state is better for veterans — Washington or California?
There's no universal answer; the better state depends on your priorities. Below are the factors that most often decide the question.
If you're a military retiree
Both retirement income tax and property tax matter most in retirement. Washington does not tax military retirement pay, while California taxes military retirement pay (california taxes military retirement pay as ordinary income — one of the few states that still does.). On property, Washington offers a partial property tax reduction, and California offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Washington's headline program is the Washington State Tuition Waiver for Veterans and Dependents — Public colleges and universities in Washington waive up to 50% of operating fees and tuition for honorably discharged veterans with Iraq/Afghanistan service, and waive 100% tuition for dependents of KIA/100% disabled WA veterans. California's is the CalVet College Fee Waiver — Waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for qualifying dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Multiple plans (A, B, C, D) cover different family situations.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Washington hosts 5 significant installation(s) including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Base Kitsap (largest naval base on West Coast), Naval Station Everett.California hosts 8 including Camp Pendleton, MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, Naval Base San Diego.
Climate and lifestyle
Washington: Mild marine climate west of the Cascades (rainy winters, dry summers); semi-arid in the east. California: Climate varies dramatically — Mediterranean coast, hot Central Valley, alpine Sierra Nevada, desert south.