Seattle, WA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
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%.
San Diego, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 114.5
- Housing RPP
- 183.9
- Goods RPP
- 108.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,833/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Diego, CA is more expensive than Seattle, WA by about 0.7% (RPP 113.7 to 114.5).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $60,422
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $100,704
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $151,055
in San Diego, CA
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 San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Seattle, WA?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 0.7%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $100,704 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 113.7).