Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 0.8% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $149,324.87 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 2.7% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA could save you approximately $56 per month, or $675 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Los Angeles, CA

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $56.26/month moving to Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.3K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$56.26

Savings

Annual Impact

$675

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$808K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$824/mo	↑ $270more	48.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,899/mo	↓ $260less	12.0%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $244more	14.1%
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $213less	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$481/mo	↓ $76.50less	13.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $38.97more	3.7%

🏥Healthcare

↑ 48.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$270

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.0%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↑ 14.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$244

🏠Housing

↓ 2.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$213

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$76.50

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$38.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$2,180

↑ $270

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$2,260

↑ $125

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,630

↓ $30.00

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$3,440

↑ $70.00

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$4.38

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Seattle

$885K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 9% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.