salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$3,011
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$109
👥 People living there
1,389,526
754,195
Commute to work
23.5 min
26 min
College degree
51%
68.4%
Own their home
47.3%
43.7%
Below poverty line
11%
9.9%
Unemployment
6%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick San Diego for cheaper homes, shorter commutes.
- Pick Seattle for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | San Diego | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,850 | $57,280 | +60% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $70,900 | $101,090 | +43% in Seattle |
| Electrician | $76,160 | $101,780 | +34% in Seattle |
| Plumber | $72,510 | $95,230 | +31% in Seattle |
| Market Research Analyst | $79,440 | $102,170 | +29% in Seattle |
| Medical Assistant | $49,420 | $61,500 | +24% in Seattle |
| Operations Manager | $119,600 | $146,030 | +22% in Seattle |
| Cashier | $37,020 | $44,210 | +19% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego or Seattle cheaper to live in?
San Diego and Seattle cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in San Diego?
About $59,596 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, San Diego or Seattle?
The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $133,583 in Seattle, 13% more in Seattle.