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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Los Angeles, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.7% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
14.1% 14.1% more expensive housing
1.9% 1.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.1% more
Seattle
156
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Seattle
108
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 5.9% more
Seattle
118
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Seattle
110
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 15.4% more
Seattle
91
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1241369.7% more
Housing15617814.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$2,50022.0% more
Median Home Price$780,000$880,00012.8% more
Groceries108110~Same
Transportation1181255.9% more
Healthcare110112~Same
Utilities9110515.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Los Angeles, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Los Angeles costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain your Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from Seattle to Los Angeles?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle and Los Angeles → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Los Angeles →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Seattle is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Los Angeles?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Seattle to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Seattle vs Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while California averages 0.71%.