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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs San Francisco, CA

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

19.4% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
34.6% 34.6% more expensive housing
6.5% 6.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.6% more
Seattle
156
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 6.5% more
Seattle
108
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 8.5% more
Seattle
118
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 7.3% more
Seattle
110
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 18.7% more
Seattle
91
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index12414819.4% more
Housing15621034.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$3,00046.3% more
Median Home Price$780,000$1,250,00060.3% more
Groceries1081156.5% more
Transportation1181288.5% more
Healthcare1101187.3% more
Utilities9110818.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA San Francisco, 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
San Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Francisco 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 San Francisco to maintain your Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Seattle749,256
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Seattle is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 34.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or San Francisco?+
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 San Francisco?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $470,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while California averages 0.71%.