Quick answer
Seattle is 122% cheaper than New York overall. A $100K salary in Seattle is equivalent to $222,000 in New York.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Seattle vs New York 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 122% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+52% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$222,000
Seattle vs New York: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$3,200/mo
+52%
2BR median rent
$2,750/mo
$4,500/mo
+64%
Median home price
$780K
$750K
-4%
Avg monthly groceries
$430
$480
+12%
Avg monthly utilities
$130
$165
+27%
State income tax
None
Up to 10.9%
Seattle saves
Walk score
74/100
88/100
New York better
Transit score
59/100
89/100
New York better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in New York to maintain the same standard of living as your current Seattle salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$133,000
$27,000
$80,000
$178,000
$36,000
$100,000
$222,000
$45,000
$120,000
$267,000
$54,000
$150,000
$334,000
$67,000
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 New York
Who Each City Is Best For
Seattle is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓high earners
- ✓coffee aficionados
New York is best for
- ✓finance professionals
- ✓media & entertainment workers
- ✓ambitious 20-somethings
- ✓culture seekers
FAQs
Is Seattle or New York cheaper to live in?
Seattle is 122% cheaper than New York overall. Seattle 1BR rent ($2,100/mo) vs New York ($3,200/mo). Median home price: Seattle $780K vs New York $750K.
How much salary do I need in New York to match $100K in Seattle?
$222,000 in New York is equivalent to $100,000 in Seattle based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+52% difference) and state taxes (Seattle: None vs New York: Up to 10.9%).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and New York?
1BR: Seattle $2,100/mo vs New York $3,200/mo (+52%). 2BR: Seattle $2,750/mo vs New York $4,500/mo (+64%).
Does Seattle or New York have lower taxes?
Seattle (WA) has None state income tax. New York (NY) has Up to 10.9% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$10,900.