Seattle, WA vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 115.3
- Housing RPP
- 233.3
- Goods RPP
- 108.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,132/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Jose, CA is more expensive than Seattle, WA by about 1.4% (RPP 113.7 to 115.3).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $60,844
in San Jose, CA
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $101,407
in San Jose, CA
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $152,111
in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA cheaper or more expensive than Seattle, WA?
- San Jose, CA (RPP 115.3) is more expensive than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 1.4%.
- What salary do I need in San Jose, CA if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $101,407 in San Jose, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (115.3 / 113.7).