San Francisco vs Seattle: Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco and Seattle are the twin pillars of the West Coast tech economy, home to giants like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft. San Francisco consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the world, while Seattle offers somewhat lower rents and the added benefit of no state income tax in Washington. Many tech workers transferring between offices at the same company find that the Seattle move significantly improves their take-home pay without sacrificing much in quality of life.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Seattle | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 179 | 145 | Seattle |
| Housing | 272 | 207 | Seattle |
| Groceries | 113 | 112 | Seattle |
| Transportation | 128 | 121 | Seattle |
| Utilities | 127 | 99 | Seattle |
Index values relative to national average of 100. Lower is cheaper.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: San Francisco vs Seattle
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in San Francisco are worth in Seattle -- and vice versa.
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,503 | $-9,497 |
| $75,000 | $60,754 | $-14,246 |
| $100,000 | $81,006 | $-18,994 |
| $150,000 | $121,508 | $-28,492 |
Seattle is cheaper, so you need less income to maintain your standard of living. A negative difference means you keep more purchasing power.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Seattle wins): Housing is 31% more expensive in San Francisco than Seattle. San Francisco has a housing index of 272 vs 207. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Seattle wins): Grocery costs in San Francisco (index 113) are higher than Seattle (index 112). Both cities are above the national average for groceries.
Transportation (Seattle wins): Transportation costs index 128 in San Francisco vs 121 in Seattle. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The 7-point gap can add up, especially for commuters.
Utilities (Seattle wins): Utilities cost more in San Francisco (index 127) than Seattle (index 99). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role -- cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
Planning a Move from San Francisco to Seattle?
Cost of living is just one piece of the puzzle. Use our free calculator to estimate your total moving costs -- movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, storage, and everything in between.
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FAQ -- San Francisco vs Seattle Cost of Living
Is San Francisco or Seattle more expensive to live in?
San Francisco is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 179 compared to 145 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where San Francisco costs 65 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in San Francisco vs Seattle?
Housing in San Francisco has an index of 272 compared to 207 in Seattle. That's 31% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in San Francisco worth in Seattle?
A $100,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $81,006 in Seattle. This means you would need to earn less in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in San Francisco or Seattle?
Groceries are cheaper in Seattle, with an index of 112 compared to 113 in San Francisco. The national average is 100, so both cities are above the national average.
Should I move from San Francisco to Seattle to save money?
Moving from San Francisco to Seattle could save you money, as Seattle's overall cost of living index is 34 points lower. However, consider your specific situation -- salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.