salarySeattle is 4% 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
$3,201
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$3,312
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$152,036
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$1,394,500
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
115.6
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$9,862
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$104
$109
👥 People living there
830,235
754,195
Commute to work
30.4 min
26 min
College degree
60.3%
68.4%
Own their home
38.2%
43.7%
Below poverty line
11.2%
9.9%
Unemployment
6.1%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes.
- Pick Seattle for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 4 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | San Francisco | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $38,860 | $57,280 | +47% in Seattle |
| Registered Nurse | $186,610 | $128,260 | -31% in Seattle |
| Nurse Practitioner | $219,080 | $160,090 | -27% in Seattle |
| Lawyer | $212,500 | $164,980 | -22% in Seattle |
| Plumber | $77,880 | $95,230 | +22% in Seattle |
| Market Research Analyst | $123,250 | $102,170 | -17% in Seattle |
| Carpenter | $89,200 | $76,410 | -14% in Seattle |
| Police Officer | $132,000 | $115,120 | -13% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Francisco or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Seattle is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,273 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in San Francisco?
About $57,675 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, San Francisco or Seattle?
The typical household earns $152,036 in San Francisco and $133,583 in Seattle, 14% more in San Francisco.