Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Seattle is 16% more affordable than San Jose. A $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to $62,637 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. San Jose has a housing index of 308 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in San Jose costs $1,300,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $550,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in San Jose versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Jose scores 110 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in San Jose (112) are higher than Seattle (109).
Median household income in San Jose is $117,324 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Seattle.
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