Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Seattle is 65% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,998/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 14%
$121,984/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 43%
$912,100 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 59%
$2,220/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 25%
741,440
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $52,723/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Seattle or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $52,723/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and West Palm Beach

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings