Quick answer
Seattle is 118% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. A $100K salary in Seattle is equivalent to $218,000 in Los Angeles.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Seattle vs Los Angeles Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Seattle is 118% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+14% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$218,000
Seattle vs Los Angeles: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,400/mo
+14%
2BR median rent
$2,750/mo
$3,200/mo
+16%
Median home price
$780K
$850K
+9%
Avg monthly groceries
$430
$440
+2%
Avg monthly utilities
$130
$140
+8%
State income tax
None
Up to 13.3%
Seattle saves
Walk score
74/100
68/100
Seattle better
Transit score
59/100
53/100
Seattle better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of living as your current Seattle salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$131,000
$27,000
$80,000
$175,000
$37,000
$100,000
$218,000
$46,000
$120,000
$262,000
$55,000
$150,000
$328,000
$69,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Seattle vs Los Angeles
Who Each City Is Best For
Seattle is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓high earners
- ✓coffee aficionados
Los Angeles is best for
- ✓entertainment industry workers
- ✓creatives
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓entrepreneurs
FAQs
Is Seattle or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Seattle is 118% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. Seattle 1BR rent ($2,100/mo) vs Los Angeles ($2,400/mo). Median home price: Seattle $780K vs Los Angeles $850K.
How much salary do I need in Los Angeles to match $100K in Seattle?
$218,000 in Los Angeles is equivalent to $100,000 in Seattle based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+14% difference) and state taxes (Seattle: None vs Los Angeles: Up to 13.3%).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Los Angeles?
1BR: Seattle $2,100/mo vs Los Angeles $2,400/mo (+14%). 2BR: Seattle $2,750/mo vs Los Angeles $3,200/mo (+16%).
Does Seattle or Los Angeles have lower taxes?
Seattle (WA) has None state income tax. Los Angeles (CA) has Up to 13.3% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$13,300.