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New York vs Seattle

Seattle runs about 35% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 2,220 USD a month.

The New York Stock Exchange in 2022, as seen from a vantage point inside the main trading hall.
New York
$6,382/month · United States
Tobias Deml · 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
New York monthly
$6,382
Index 100 (NYC = 100)
Seattle monthly
$4,162
Index 65 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-35%
Seattle relative to New York
Rent gap
$2,056
New York costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

New YorkSeattle
  • Housing
    Housing: New York $4,076, Seattle $2,020. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Food
    Food: New York $910, Seattle $849. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Transport
    Transport: New York $211, Seattle $189. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: New York $232, Seattle $227. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: New York $559, Seattle $537. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: New York $223, Seattle $181. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Other
    Other: New York $171, 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

MetricNew YorkSeattle
Cost
Total monthly cost6,382 USD4,162 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)10065✓
Housing4,076 USD2,020 USD✓
Utilities232 USD227 USD✓
Food910 USD849 USD✓
Transport211 USD189 USD✓
Healthcare559 USD537 USD✓
Lifestyle223 USD181 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,887 USD6,575 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate29.4%21.1%✓
Left over each month-495 USD2,413 USD✓
Average local net salary5,400 USD5,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre4,076 USD2,020 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre7,873 USD3,856 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre16,000 USD8,000 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety58/10058/100
Healthcare82/10086/100✓
Air quality62/10078/100✓
Public transport88/100✓68/100
Walkability92/100✓74/100
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife96/100✓76/100
Family friendliness62/10070/100✓
Median broadband220 Mbps260 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature13°C12°C✓
Summer high29°C26°C✓
Winter low-3°C2°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,535 h✓2,170 h
Annual rainfall1200 mm950 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access45 min25 min✓
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/Los_Angeles

Seattle runs about 35% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 2,220 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in New YorkCost of living in SeattleConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
New York vs San FranciscoNew York vs MiamiNew York vs Los Angeles
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is New York or Seattle cheaper?

Seattle runs about 35% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 2,220 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Seattle compared with New York?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,887 a month in New York and $6,575 in Seattle, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, New York or Seattle?

New York scores 58/100 on safety and 82/100 on healthcare; Seattle scores 58 and 86. New York averages 13°C against 12°C in Seattle.