Cost of Living: New York vs Seattle (2026)

New York vs Seattle cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Seattle is about 1% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $98,730 in Seattle.

Seattle is about 1% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $98,730 in Seattle.

New York vs Seattle: the numbers

MetricNew YorkSeattleDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)113111-1%
Median rent$1,779$1,998+12%
Median home value$751,700$912,100+21%
Median household income$79,713$121,984+53%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in New York has the same buying power as about $98,730 in Seattle. Going the other way, $100,000 in Seattle is like $101,287 in New York.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between New York and Seattle.

Compare any salary: New York vs Seattle

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 111 — a 1% difference. Your money goes further in Seattle.

About $98,730 — that's what you'd need in Seattle to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York.