salaryBoston is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$109
👥 People living there
666,442
754,195
Commute to work
30.3 min
26 min
College degree
54.9%
68.4%
Own their home
35.7%
43.7%
Below poverty line
16.6%
9.9%
Unemployment
6.1%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Seattle for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $78,180 | $115,120 | +47% in Seattle |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $57,280 | +46% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $101,090 | +37% in Seattle |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | $133,740 | +31% in Seattle |
| Electrician | $79,910 | $101,780 | +27% in Seattle |
| Cashier | $36,040 | $44,210 | +23% in Seattle |
| Medical Assistant | $50,740 | $61,500 | +21% in Seattle |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $128,260 | +21% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Boston is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $3,112 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $61,589 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Seattle?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $133,583 in Seattle, 21% more in Seattle.