Median rent is 17% lower in Seattle ($1,998/mo vs $2,419/mo). Buying is cheaper in Seattle, where the median home runs $912,100 versus $1,380,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($141,446 vs $121,984 a year). Taken together, Seattle is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 114.0 against 118.0 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Quick verdict
Seattle is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 114.0 in Seattle vs 118.0 in San Francisco (US average = 100)
City A
San Francisco, CA
City B
Seattle, WA
How much would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to maintain your standard of living from San Francisco, CA?
Equivalent salary in Seattle, WA
$72,468
You could earn $2,532 less (3% 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
San Francisco
California
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Seattle at $1,998/mo compared to $2,419/mo in San Francisco (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,380,500 versus $912,100 in Seattle — 34% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Seattle a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.50% in Washington; Seattle has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
San Francisco
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Seattle
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Seattle (avg AQI 37.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Seattle if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 114.0 vs 118.0).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,446/yr).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,998/mo median).
Pick Seattle if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is San Francisco cheaper than Seattle?
Seattle is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 114.0 versus 118.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Seattle.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Seattle?
Median rent is $2,419/mo in San Francisco, CA and $1,998/mo in Seattle, WA. Seattle, WA has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — San Francisco or Seattle?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco, CA and $121,984 in Seattle, WA. San Francisco, CA 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 — San Francisco or Seattle?
Washington has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my San Francisco income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in San Francisco, CA is equivalent to roughly $96,625 in Seattle, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology