San Francisco vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 28% cheaper than San Francisco 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
San Francisco presents a substantially higher overall cost of living compared to Seattle. While both metros are considerably more expensive than the national average, San Francisco's expenses are driven to extreme levels, primarily by housing. Seattle offers a noticeable reduction in cost across most categories, making it a more budget-friendly option for those considering a move from the Bay Area, though it remains an expensive place to live.
Housing
Housing costs in San Francisco are dramatically higher for both home purchases and rentals. The median home price shows a very large gap, and a one-bedroom rental is also significantly more expensive. Both cities feature dense urban housing, often with a mix of older and newer construction. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary, but the initial acquisition price in San Francisco creates a much larger financial hurdle.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses in San Francisco are elevated across the board. Food, transportation, and healthcare are all noticeably more expensive than in Seattle. A key difference is California's state income tax, which can significantly impact take-home pay, whereas Washington has no state income tax. Utilities are also higher in San Francisco, contributing to a more expensive daily spend.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both metros offer a vibrant urban experience, but with distinct characteristics. San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate with cooler summers and less rainfall, while Seattle experiences more temperate weather with frequent rain, especially in winter. Both have extensive public transit options, but San Francisco's hilly terrain and dense layout can feel more compact. Seattle's proximity to mountains and water offers abundant outdoor recreation.
Bottom line
Moving from San Francisco to Seattle would likely result in substantial savings, primarily due to the significant difference in housing costs and the absence of a state income tax in Washington. While Seattle is by no means inexpensive, it offers a considerably more manageable cost of living across most categories. This shift could free up a notable portion of a household's budget, impacting overall financial well-being.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 215 | 155 |
| Housing index | 309 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 135 | 123 |
| Food index | 125 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 122 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 148 | 105 |
| Misc index | 138 | 118 |
| Median home price | $1,250,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $3,450/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.