Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Seattle, WA?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $150,680.233 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 2.8% more expensive than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Seattle, WA and Los Angeles, CA have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Seattle, WA

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Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $56.69/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.7K in Los Angeles, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$56.69

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$680

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$885K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Seattle, WA vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Seattle, WA	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$554/mo	↓ $270less	32.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $260more	13.7%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $244less	12.4%
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $213more	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$557/mo	↑ $76.50more	15.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $38.97less	3.6%

🏥Healthcare

↓ 32.8%

Seattle, WA

$824

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$270

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.7%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$260

📦Other

↓ 12.4%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$244

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.8%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$213

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.9%

Seattle, WA

$481

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$76.50

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$38.97

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,910

↓ $270

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,135

↓ $125

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,660

↑ $30.00

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$3,370

↓ $70.00

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$4.38

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Los Angeles

$808K

Median Value

$885K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 10% more expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.