Is Seattle, WA cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 19.4% more expensive than San Diego, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1458 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in San Diego, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $167,500 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 44.3% more expensive than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $1458 more per month than San Diego, CA, or $17500 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Diego, CA

Tap to swap

Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.5K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 19.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,458

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$17.5K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:119

Median Home:$808K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	San Diego, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $2,313more	44.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $328more	20.9%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$824/mo	↑ $186more	29.1%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$481/mo	↓ $153less	24.1%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $83.70more	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 44.3%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$2,313

🚗Transportation

↑ 20.9%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$328

🏥Healthcare

↑ 29.1%

San Diego, CA

$638

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$186

⚡All Utilities

↓ 24.1%

San Diego, CA

$634

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$153

less

📦Other

↑ 4.4%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$83.70

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$2,180

↓ $385

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$2,260

↓ $495

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$2,630

↓ $730

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$3,440

↓ $1,035

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$2,757

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Seattle

$980K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 18% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.