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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs New York, NY

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

16.9% New York, NY is more expensive overall
25.0% 25.0% more expensive housing
7.4% 7.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.0% more
Seattle
156
New York
195
🛒 Groceries 7.4% more
Seattle
108
New York
116
🚗 Transportation 10.2% more
Seattle
118
New York
130
🏥 Healthcare 4.5% more
Seattle
110
New York
115
⚡ Utilities 23.1% more
Seattle
91
New York
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA New York, NY Difference
Overall Cost Index12414516.9% more
Housing15619525.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$3,20056.1% more
Median Home Price$780,000$750,0003.8% less
Groceries1081167.4% more
Transportation11813010.2% more
Healthcare1101154.5% more
Utilities9111223.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA New York, NY
State Income TaxNone (0%)10.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.40%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
New York, NY
$115,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: New York costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 New York to maintain your Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs New York (145). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
New York5.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
New York2.8%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
New York41 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
New York89
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
New York48
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
New York55°F
Population
Seattle749,256
New York8,258,035

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle or New York cheaper to live in?+
Seattle is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 25.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs New York?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $3,200/month in New York — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or New York?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 New York?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 compared to $115,000 in New York. 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 New York?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $750,000 in New York — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while New York averages 1.40%.