New York, NY vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between New York, NY and Seattle, WA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
New York, NY
NY
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113
- Housing RPP
- 154.2
- Goods RPP
- 107.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,752/mo
NY state income tax 4%-10.9% + NYC city tax up to 3.876% for city residents.
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 New York, NY by about 0.6% (RPP 113 to 113.7).
$60,000 in New York, NY
-> $60,372
in Seattle, WA
$100,000 in New York, NY
-> $100,619
in Seattle, WA
$150,000 in New York, NY
-> $150,929
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 New York, NY?
- Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) is more expensive than New York, NY (RPP 113) by about 0.6%.
- What salary do I need in Seattle, WA if I earn $100,000 in New York, NY?
- You would need approximately $100,619 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York, NY. Formula: $100,000 x (113.7 / 113).