Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs Seattle (2026)

Philadelphia vs Seattle cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Seattle is about 8% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $108,365 in Seattle.

Seattle is about 8% more expensive than Philadelphia overall — $100,000 in Philadelphia is worth about $108,365 in Seattle.

Philadelphia vs Seattle: the numbers

MetricPhiladelphiaSeattleDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103111+8%
Median rent$1,323$1,998+51%
Median home value$232,400$912,100+292%
Median household income$60,698$121,984+101%

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 Philadelphia has the same buying power as about $108,365 in Seattle. Going the other way, $100,000 in Seattle is like $92,280 in Philadelphia.

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

Compare any salary: Philadelphia vs Seattle

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 111 vs 103 — a 8% difference. Your money goes further in Philadelphia.

About $108,365 — that's what you'd need in Seattle to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Philadelphia.