Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA (2026)

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Seattle

Washington
196

San Francisco is 36% more expensive than Seattle.

$2,419/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,998/mo ↓ 17%
$141,446/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$121,984/yr ↓ 14%
$1,380,500 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$912,100 ↓ 34%
$2,620/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,220/mo ↓ 15%
836,321
Population
741,440

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 196 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $19,462/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $912,100 in Seattle.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Seattle — common questions

Is San Francisco or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Seattle?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Seattle it's $1,998/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Seattle?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $121,984 in Seattle. Median household income is $19,462/year higher in San Francisco.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to San Francisco or Seattle?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Seattle details →

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