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Los Angeles vs Seattle

Seattle runs about 11% cheaper than Los Angeles for this household, a difference of 497 USD a month.

The Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, as seen from a DJI Mavic 3.
Los Angeles
$4,659/month · United States
InvadingInvader · CC BY-SA 4.0
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
Los Angeles monthly
$4,659
Index 73 (NYC = 100)
Seattle monthly
$4,162
Index 65 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-11%
Seattle relative to Los Angeles
Rent gap
$487
Los Angeles costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

Los AngelesSeattle
  • Housing
    Housing: Los Angeles $2,507, Seattle $2,020. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Food
    Food: Los Angeles $849, Seattle $849. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Transport
    Transport: Los Angeles $186, Seattle $189. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Los Angeles $239, Seattle $227. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Los Angeles $537, Seattle $537. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Los Angeles $182, Seattle $181. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Other
    Other: Los Angeles $159, Seattle $159. Cheaper in Seattle.
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

MetricLos AngelesSeattle
Cost
Total monthly cost4,659 USD4,162 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)7365✓
Housing2,507 USD2,020 USD✓
Utilities239 USD227 USD✓
Food849 USD849 USD
Transport186 USD✓189 USD
Healthcare537 USD✓537 USD
Lifestyle182 USD181 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,978 USD6,575 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate28.3%21.1%✓
Left over each month1,319 USD2,413 USD✓
Average local net salary4,600 USD5,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,507 USD2,020 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre4,714 USD3,856 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre9,500 USD8,000 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety48/10058/100✓
Healthcare82/10086/100✓
Air quality45/10078/100✓
Public transport48/10068/100✓
Walkability55/10074/100✓
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife88/100✓76/100
Family friendliness62/10070/100✓
Median broadband230 Mbps260 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature18°C12°C✓
Summer high29°C26°C✓
Winter low9°C✓2°C
Sunshine hours per year3,250 h✓2,170 h
Annual rainfall380 mm✓950 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access30 min25 min✓
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/Los_AngelesAmerica/Los_Angeles

Seattle runs about 11% cheaper than Los Angeles for this household, a difference of 497 USD a month.

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

Frequently asked

Is Los Angeles or Seattle cheaper?

Seattle runs about 11% cheaper than Los Angeles for this household, a difference of 497 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Seattle compared with Los Angeles?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,978 a month in Los Angeles and $6,575 in Seattle, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Los Angeles or Seattle?

Los Angeles scores 48/100 on safety and 82/100 on healthcare; Seattle scores 58 and 86. Los Angeles averages 18°C against 12°C in Seattle.