Median rent is 25% lower in Melbourne ($1,525/mo vs $2,030/mo). Buying is cheaper in Melbourne, where the median home runs $306,400 versus $938,600. Households earn more in Seattle ($123,860 vs $66,991 a year). Taken together, Seattle is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 112.7 against 113.7 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Seattle, WA.
Quick verdict
Seattle is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 112.7 in Seattle vs 113.7 in Melbourne (US average = 100)
City A
Melbourne, FL
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from Melbourne, FL?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$74,371
You could earn $629 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Melbourne
Florida
Seattle
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Melbourne — median rent of $1,525/mo versus $2,030/mo in Seattle, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Seattle: the median home is $938,600 versus $306,400 in Melbourne — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Melbourne
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Seattle
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Seattle (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Melbourne.
Pick Seattle if you prioritize higher median household income ($123,860/yr).
Pick Melbourne if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,525/mo median).
Is Melbourne cheaper than Seattle?
Seattle is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 112.7 versus 113.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Seattle.
How much is rent in Melbourne vs Seattle?
Median rent is $1,525/mo in Melbourne, FL and $2,030/mo in Seattle, WA. Melbourne, FL has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Melbourne or Seattle?
Median household income is $66,991 in Melbourne, FL and $123,860 in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Melbourne or Seattle?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my Melbourne income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Melbourne, FL is equivalent to roughly $99,161 in Seattle, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
