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London vs Seattle

London and Seattle cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
The Seattle skyline at dusk as viewed from the Jose Rizal Bridge. In the foreground is the Interstate 5 in Washington.
Seattle
$4,162/month · United States
Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Seattle monthly
$4,162
Index 65 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+3%
Seattle relative to London
Rent gap
$580
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonSeattle
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Seattle $2,020. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Seattle $849. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Seattle $189. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Seattle $227. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Seattle $537. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Seattle $181. Cheaper in London.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Seattle $159. Cheaper in London.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonSeattle
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD✓4,162 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)63✓65
Housing2,600 USD2,020 USD✓
Utilities267 USD227 USD✓
Food617 USD✓849 USD
Transport282 USD189 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓537 USD
Lifestyle169 USD✓181 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD6,575 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate28.6%21.1%✓
Left over each month1,902 USD2,413 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD5,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD2,020 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD3,856 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD8,000 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/100✓58/100
Healthcare84/10086/100✓
Air quality60/10078/100✓
Public transport92/100✓68/100
Walkability90/100✓74/100
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife94/100✓76/100
Family friendliness72/100✓70/100
Median broadband90 Mbps260 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C12°C
Summer high23°C✓26°C
Winter low3°C✓2°C
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,170 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm✓950 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access90 min25 min✓
CurrencyGBPUSD
Time zoneEurope/LondonAmerica/Los_Angeles

London and Seattle cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in SeattleConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Seattle cheaper?

London and Seattle cost within a few percent of each other for this household — decide on everything except money.

What salary do you need in Seattle compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $6,575 in Seattle, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Seattle?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Seattle scores 58 and 86. London averages 12°C against 12°C in Seattle.