San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). 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 cheaper than San Francisco, CA by about 3.6% (RPP 117.9 to 113.7).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $57,863
in Seattle, WA
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $96,438
in Seattle, WA
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $144,656
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 San Francisco, CA?
- Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 3.6%.
- What salary do I need in Seattle, WA if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $96,438 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (113.7 / 117.9).