The Verdict
Living in San Francisco is 23% more expensive than Seattle.
If you move from San Francisco to Seattle, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in San Francisco, you would need to earn about $58,571 in Seattle.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love San Francisco:
Why people love Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | San Francisco | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,850 | $2,730 | $-1,120 |
| Monthly groceries | $459 | $428 | $-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $368 | $322 | $-46 |
| Public transport pass | $124 | $114 | $-10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $196 | $170 | $-26 |
| Total Monthly | $4,996 | $3,764 | $-1,232 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (23% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 70/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Seattle to match a San Francisco salary
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,048 | $10,952 less |
| $75,000 | $58,571 | $16,429 less |
| $100,000 | $78,095 | $21,905 less |
| $125,000 | $97,619 | $27,381 less |
| $150,000 | $117,143 | $32,857 less |
| $200,000 | $156,190 | $43,810 less |
San Francisco vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 23%. Seattle is the more affordable option.
Rent: San Francisco has a rent index of 110, while Seattle has 78.
Average Salaries: San Francisco: $7,000/month vs Seattle: $5,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, San Francisco wins 0, while Seattle wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.