Is Seattle, WA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 14.4% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $1082 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $137,014.925 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 22.0% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Seattle, WA could save you approximately $1082 per month, or $12985 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Jose, CA

Tap to swap

Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.0K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 14.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,082

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.0K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$808K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

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 Jose, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	San Jose, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $2,131less	22.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $492more	35.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $151more	8.3%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$824/mo	↑ $118more	16.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.4%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$481/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 22.0%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$2,131

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 35.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$492

📦Other

↑ 8.3%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$151

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.7%

San Jose, CA

$706

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$118

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.4%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.5%

San Jose, CA

$464

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$16.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$2,180

↓ $410

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$2,260

↓ $690

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$2,630

↓ $815

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$3,440

↓ $1,110

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$1,404

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Seattle

$1.35M

Median Value

$808K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 40% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.