Moving from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA
Thinking about moving from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA? Overall prices are 4% lower in Seattle, WA than in San Francisco, CA, making Seattle, WA the more affordable of the two. This guide breaks down housing, income, taxes, and climate using the latest US government data so you can plan your relocation budget with realistic numbers rather than guesswork.
Salary calculator
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
$71,925
You could earn $3,075 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Housing
Median rent is 18% lower in Seattle ($2,030) than in San Francisco ($2,476). The typical home value is 33% lower in Seattle ($938,600) than in San Francisco ($1,394,500). Factor in moving costs, deposits, and the gap between advertised and median rents when you set a housing budget.
Income & jobs
Median household income is 12% lower in Seattle ($123,860) than in San Francisco ($140,970). After adjusting pay for local prices, a typical paycheck goes further in San Francisco, CA.
Taxes
State tax figures for this route are still being compiled.
Climate & air quality
Air-quality figures for this route are still being compiled.
Quick numbers
Metric
San Francisco
CA
Seattle
WA
Median rent
Median home value
Median income
Cost index
Sources: US Census ACS · BEA Regional Price Parities
Frequently asked questions
Is Seattle, WA cheaper than San Francisco, CA?
Yes. Seattle, WA has an overall cost index of 112.7 versus 117.6 in San Francisco, CA — about 4% cheaper overall.
How much is rent in Seattle, WA?
The median gross rent in Seattle is $2,030 per month (US Census ACS).
What salary do you need in Seattle, WA?
Median household income in Seattle is $123,860. Use the salary calculator on this page to convert your current San Francisco pay into the equivalent you'd need in Seattle.