Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Seattle, WA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Seattle

Washington
196

New York is 15% cheaper than Seattle.

$1,779/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,998/mo ↑ 12%
$79,713/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$121,984/yr ↑ 53%
$751,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$912,100 ↑ 21%
$1,837/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,220/mo ↑ 21%
8,516,202
Population
741,440

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Seattle, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 196 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $42,271/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $912,100 in Seattle.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Seattle — common questions

Is New York or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New York is cheaper to live in with an index of 166 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Seattle?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Seattle it's $1,998/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Seattle?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $121,984 in Seattle. Median household income is $42,271/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between New York and Washington?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Seattle?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Seattle has a cost index of 196 with rent of $1,998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View Seattle details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New York and Seattle

New York vs. Allen New York vs. Los Angeles New York vs. Tuscaloosa New York vs. Chicago New York vs. Tyler New York vs. Houston Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville