Is New York, NY cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, New York, NY is 2.3% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $174 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $147,906.977 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

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

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to New York, NY could save you approximately $174 per month, or $2093 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

Tap to swap

New York, NY

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $174/month moving to New York, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.9K in New York, NY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$174

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.1K

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$1.05M

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Seattle, WA vs New York, NY

Category	Seattle, WA	New York, NY	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,602/mo	↓ $296less	15.6%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$688/mo	↓ $136less	16.5%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$600/mo	↑ $119more	24.8%
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $112more	1.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $85.94more	8.0%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $58.59more	3.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

New York, NY

$1,602

Difference

$296

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.5%

Seattle, WA

$824

New York, NY

$688

Difference

$136

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.8%

Seattle, WA

$481

New York, NY

$600

Difference

$119

🏠Housing

↑ 1.5%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

New York, NY

$7,648

Difference

$112

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

New York, NY

$1,165

Difference

$85.94

📦Other

↑ 3.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

New York, NY

$2,034

Difference

$58.59

🏛️ 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$2,180

To$3,120

↑ $940

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$3,270

↑ $1,010

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$3,590

↑ $960

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$4,500

↑ $1,060

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$57.34

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

New York

$808K

Median Value

$1.05M

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.9%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$471K - $3.49M

Homes in New York are 30% more expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - New York

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $9.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$795

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.