Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Seattle is 20% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $60,000 in Seattle.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Francisco has a housing index of 327 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in San Francisco costs $1,200,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,400 in San Francisco versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Francisco scores 112 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in San Francisco (113) are higher than Seattle (109).
Median household income in San Francisco is $119,136 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Seattle.
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