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Miami vs Seattle

Seattle runs about 16% cheaper than Miami for this household, a difference of 766 USD a month.

Taken at PortMiami on March 11, 2024.
Miami
$4,927/month · United States
Kiran891 · 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
Miami monthly
$4,927
Index 77 (NYC = 100)
Seattle monthly
$4,162
Index 65 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-16%
Seattle relative to Miami
Rent gap
$724
Miami costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MiamiSeattle
  • Housing
    Housing: Miami $2,744, Seattle $2,020. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Food
    Food: Miami $849, Seattle $849. Cheaper in Miami.
  • Transport
    Transport: Miami $195, Seattle $189. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Miami $250, Seattle $227. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Miami $547, Seattle $537. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Miami $181, Seattle $181. Cheaper in Miami.
  • Other
    Other: Miami $162, 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

MetricMiamiSeattle
Cost
Total monthly cost4,927 USD4,162 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)7765✓
Housing2,744 USD2,020 USD✓
Utilities250 USD227 USD✓
Food849 USD849 USD
Transport195 USD189 USD✓
Healthcare547 USD537 USD✓
Lifestyle181 USD181 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,575 USD6,575 USD
Effective tax + social rate21.1%21.1%
Left over each month1,648 USD2,413 USD✓
Average local net salary3,900 USD5,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,744 USD2,020 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,286 USD3,856 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre8,200 USD8,000 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety50/10058/100✓
Healthcare76/10086/100✓
Air quality68/10078/100✓
Public transport48/10068/100✓
Walkability62/10074/100✓
English proficiency88/100100/100✓
Nightlife90/100✓76/100
Family friendliness62/10070/100✓
Median broadband250 Mbps260 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature25°C12°C✓
Summer high32°C26°C✓
Winter low15°C✓2°C
Sunshine hours per year2,900 h✓2,170 h
Annual rainfall1570 mm950 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access15 min✓25 min
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/Los_Angeles

Seattle runs about 16% cheaper than Miami for this household, a difference of 766 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Miami or Seattle cheaper?

Seattle runs about 16% cheaper than Miami for this household, a difference of 766 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Seattle compared with Miami?

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

Which has better quality of life, Miami or Seattle?

Miami scores 50/100 on safety and 76/100 on healthcare; Seattle scores 58 and 86. Miami averages 25°C against 12°C in Seattle.