Los Angeles vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 11% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. Seattle (WA) has no state income tax; CA tops out around 9.3%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Los Angeles and Seattle reveals a noticeable difference in overall living expenses. Los Angeles is generally more costly, with housing being a primary driver of this distinction. While many categories show Los Angeles as the pricier option, some everyday expenses are quite similar between the two cities. Understanding these nuances is key for anyone considering a move.
Housing
Housing costs in Los Angeles are higher for both home purchases and rental properties, though the difference in median rent is not as pronounced as for home prices. Both metros feature a mix of housing types, from single-family homes to apartments. Property taxes and insurance costs will also factor into the total expense of homeownership in either location, alongside mortgage payments.
Taxes and everyday costs
A significant financial difference lies in state income tax, which is absent in Washington. Beyond that, daily spending on utilities, transportation, and healthcare tends to be more expensive in Los Angeles. Food costs, however, are roughly comparable between the two. These factors mean that a larger portion of one's income may go towards essential services in Los Angeles.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Los Angeles offers a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, while Seattle is known for its temperate rainforest climate, featuring frequent rain and milder temperatures. Los Angeles is characterized by its vast, sprawling nature and reliance on personal vehicles, though public transit options exist. Seattle is more compact, with a growing public transit system and a landscape shaped by water and hills, offering distinct urban experiences.
Bottom line
Moving between Los Angeles and Seattle involves a clear financial trade-off. While housing costs are elevated in both, Los Angeles generally presents a higher overall cost of living, particularly when considering utilities, transportation, and the presence of state income tax. Seattle, despite its own high costs, offers some relief in these areas, potentially leaving more disposable income for other aspects of life.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 175 | 155 |
| Housing index | 201 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 129 | 123 |
| Food index | 112 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 128 | 105 |
| Misc index | 118 | 118 |
| Median home price | $795,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,400/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.