Quick answer
Seattle is 139% cheaper than San Francisco overall. A $100K salary in Seattle is equivalent to $239,000 in San Francisco.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Seattle vs San Francisco 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 139% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+33% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$239,000
Seattle vs San Francisco: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,800/mo
+33%
2BR median rent
$2,750/mo
$3,800/mo
+38%
Median home price
$780K
$1,100K
+41%
Avg monthly groceries
$430
$460
+7%
Avg monthly utilities
$130
$125
-4%
State income tax
None
Up to 13.3%
Seattle saves
Walk score
74/100
88/100
San Francisco better
Transit score
59/100
80/100
San Francisco better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living as your current Seattle salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$144,000
$25,000
$80,000
$191,000
$33,000
$100,000
$239,000
$42,000
$120,000
$287,000
$50,000
$150,000
$359,000
$63,000
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 San Francisco
Who Each City Is Best For
Seattle is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓high earners
- ✓coffee aficionados
San Francisco is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓biotech professionals
- ✓high earners
- ✓urban walkability seekers
FAQs
Is Seattle or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Seattle is 139% cheaper than San Francisco overall. Seattle 1BR rent ($2,100/mo) vs San Francisco ($2,800/mo). Median home price: Seattle $780K vs San Francisco $1,100K.
How much salary do I need in San Francisco to match $100K in Seattle?
$239,000 in San Francisco is equivalent to $100,000 in Seattle based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+33% difference) and state taxes (Seattle: None vs San Francisco: Up to 13.3%).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and San Francisco?
1BR: Seattle $2,100/mo vs San Francisco $2,800/mo (+33%). 2BR: Seattle $2,750/mo vs San Francisco $3,800/mo (+38%).
Does Seattle or San Francisco have lower taxes?
Seattle (WA) has None state income tax. San Francisco (CA) has Up to 13.3% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$13,300.