Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Seattle, WA
WA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.7
- Housing RPP
- 154.8
- Goods RPP
- 116.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,645/mo
Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.
Equivalent salary
Seattle, WA is more expensive than Los Angeles, CA by about 0.5% (RPP 113.1 to 113.7).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $60,318
in Seattle, WA
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $100,531
in Seattle, WA
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $150,796
in Seattle, WA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Seattle, WA cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
- Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) is more expensive than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 0.5%.
- What salary do I need in Seattle, WA if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $100,531 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (113.7 / 113.1).