Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Seattle is 8% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $68,675 in Seattle.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Seattle.
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