Is Seattle, WA cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 2.4% more expensive than New York, NY. This translates to spending an extra $179 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $152,142.857 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 1.5% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $179 more per month than New York, NY, or $2143 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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New York, NY

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $179/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.1K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$179

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.1K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$808K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Seattle, WA

Category	New York, NY	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $296more	18.5%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$824/mo	↑ $136more	19.8%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$481/mo	↓ $119less	19.9%
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $112less	1.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,975/mo	↓ $58.59less	2.9%

🚗Transportation

↑ 18.5%

New York, NY

$1,602

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$296

🏥Healthcare

↑ 19.8%

New York, NY

$688

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$136

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.9%

New York, NY

$600

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$119

less

🏠Housing

↓ 1.5%

New York, NY

$7,648

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$112

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

New York, NY

$1,165

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

📦Other

↓ 2.9%

New York, NY

$2,034

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$58.59

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Seattle, WA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$2,180

↓ $940

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$2,260

↓ $1,010

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$2,630

↓ $960

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$3,440

↓ $1,060

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$57.34

Difference

Home Values

New York

Seattle

$1.05M

Median Value

$808K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 23% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$795

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.