Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 15.4% more expensive than Boston, MA. This translates to spending an extra $1158 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $163,892.617 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 42.9% more expensive than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $1158 more per month than Boston, MA, or $13893 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Boston, MA

Tap to swap

Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.9K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↑ 15.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,158

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:115

Median Home:$808K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Boston, MA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $2,261more	42.9%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$481/mo	↓ $235less	32.8%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $151more	8.3%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$824/mo	↑ $80.54more	10.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $68.30more	3.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 42.9%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$2,261

⚡All Utilities

↓ 32.8%

Boston, MA

$716

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$235

less

📦Other

↑ 8.3%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$151

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.8%

Boston, MA

$743

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$80.54

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.7%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$68.30

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$2,180

↓ $915

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$2,260

↓ $995

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$2,630

↓ $1,235

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$3,440

↓ $1,190

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$2,325

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Seattle

$961K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 16% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Seattle

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.