The Verdict
Living in Seattle is 6% cheaper than Toronto.
If you move from Seattle to Toronto, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Seattle, you would need to earn about $80,488 in Toronto.
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 Seattle:
Why people love Toronto:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Seattle | Toronto | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,730 | $3,675 | +$945 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $383 | $-45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $322 | $280 | $-42 |
| Public transport pass | $114 | $107 | $-7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $170 | $176 | +$6 |
| Total Monthly | $3,764 | $4,620 | +$856 |
* 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 lower overall living costs (6% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 70/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,800/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Toronto to match a Seattle salary
| Salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,659 | $3,659 more |
| $75,000 | $80,488 | $5,488 more |
| $100,000 | $107,317 | $7,317 more |
| $125,000 | $134,146 | $9,146 more |
| $150,000 | $160,976 | $10,976 more |
| $200,000 | $214,634 | $14,634 more |
Seattle vs Toronto: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 6%. Seattle is the more affordable option.
Rent: Seattle has a rent index of 78, while Toronto has 105.
Average Salaries: Seattle: $5,800/month vs Toronto: $2,655/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Seattle wins 3, while Toronto wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.