Is Seattle, WA cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 12.7% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $952 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $138,578.68 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 22.9% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA could save you approximately $952 per month, or $11421 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Francisco, CA

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $952/month moving to Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$952

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$808K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	San Francisco, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $2,235less	22.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,899/mo	↓ $260less	12.0%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$824/mo	↑ $118more	16.7%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $100more	5.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $79.94less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$481/mo	↑ $32.79more	7.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 22.9%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$2,235

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.0%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$260

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.7%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$118

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$100

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.9%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$79.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.3%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$32.79

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$2,180

↓ $280

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$2,260

↓ $690

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$2,630

↓ $940

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$3,440

↓ $1,120

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$2,323

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Seattle

$1.25M

Median Value

$808K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 35% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.