Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Seattle is 35% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $48,511 in Seattle.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manhattan scores 115 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are higher than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Seattle.
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