Quick answer
Seattle is 55% cheaper than New York overall. A $100K salary in New York is equivalent to $45,000 in Seattle.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
New York vs Seattle Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Seattle is 55% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-34% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$45,000
New York vs Seattle: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$3,200/mo
$2,100/mo
-34%
2BR median rent
$4,500/mo
$2,750/mo
-39%
Median home price
$750K
$780K
+4%
Avg monthly groceries
$480
$430
-10%
Avg monthly utilities
$165
$130
-21%
State income tax
Up to 10.9%
None
Seattle saves
Walk score
88/100
74/100
New York better
Transit score
89/100
59/100
New York better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living as your current New York salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$27,000
$133,000
$80,000
$36,000
$178,000
$100,000
$45,000
$222,000
$120,000
$54,000
$267,000
$150,000
$67,000
$334,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: New York vs Seattle
Who Each City Is Best For
New York is best for
- ✓finance professionals
- ✓media & entertainment workers
- ✓ambitious 20-somethings
- ✓culture seekers
Seattle is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓high earners
- ✓coffee aficionados
FAQs
Is New York or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Seattle is 55% cheaper than New York overall. Seattle 1BR rent ($2,100/mo) vs New York ($3,200/mo). Median home price: Seattle $780K vs New York $750K.
How much salary do I need in Seattle to match $100K in New York?
$45,000 in Seattle is equivalent to $100,000 in New York based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-34% difference) and state taxes (New York: Up to 10.9% vs Seattle: None).
What is the rent difference between New York and Seattle?
1BR: New York $3,200/mo vs Seattle $2,100/mo (-34%). 2BR: New York $4,500/mo vs Seattle $2,750/mo (-39%).
Does New York or Seattle have lower taxes?
New York (NY) has Up to 10.9% state income tax. Seattle (WA) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$10,900.