Is Seattle As Expensive As San Francisco?

Seattle and San Francisco are among the most recognized cities on the West Coast, and they each have their own allure. Job opportunities and vibrant culture is on the praises of both cities. One significant drawback for residents and those considering relocating, though, is the cost of living. San Francisco is long infamous for its sky-high housing prices and overall cost of living, but what about Seattle?

Housing Costs In Seattle And San Francisco Are Among The Highest In The United States

Housing is the single largest driver of the cost of living in any city, and on that score, San Francisco is far more expensive than Seattle. The median home price in San Francisco is much greater than a million dollars, making it among the most expensive housing markets in the country. Renters in San Francisco are also looking at steep costs, with one-bedroom apartments going for thousands of dollars a month on average.

Seattle’s housing market is pricey too, but still relatively more affordable. Seattle’s median home price is lower than San Francisco’s, but it has been climbing steadily over the years. Rents in Seattle are lower than in San Francisco but have surged from their pre-pandemic lows as the city’s desirability and a lack of availability drives prices up, but renters in Seattle still pay relatively less than in San Francisco

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Daily Living Expenses For Groceries, Transportation, And Entertainment In Both Cities

Outside of housing, daily costs also contribute significantly to how affordable a city is. As cities with a higher-than-average cost of living, Seattle and San Francisco have relatively high grocery costs, according to Avocado. San Francisco’s grocery prices are generally a bit higher overall, with everyday items costing more than in Seattle.

Costs of transportation vary between both cities as well. For a way to move around without a car, San Francisco’s public transit system, BART, is available, though even a tourist fare can be expensive for a month of travel. The cost of parking is pricey, and the price of gas is among the highest in the nation. The Seattle public transportation system is growing with buses, light rail and ferries. Transit costs in Seattle are higher than in San Francisco overall, but by and large, are lower in Seattle.

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Both cities offer a ton of entertainment options. Eating out, attending concerts and experiencing nightlife can all be expensive no matter where you are, but you’ll generally pay more for restaurants and bars in San Francisco. Seattle, while still pricey, has slightly less expensive options in this bracket.

Which Average Salary And Job market Determine How Affordable Seattle And San Francisco?

The goal should be to make an average salary, but you should also think about how much it costs to live in a certain place. The tech business in San Francisco has some of the best-paying jobs in the country. Many companies, like Google, Apple, and Facebook, give their workers paychecks that help with the stress of high living costs. Even though they make more money, many people in San Francisco still worry about their daily costs and rent.

There are good jobs in Seattle. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing pay well. They make less money than San Francisco, but more than Bay Areas because real estate and living costs are less expensive there. All of these things make Seattle a good place for many people to live from an economic point of view.

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Taxes And Additional Costs That Residents Face In Both Seattle And San Francisco

Taxes can also play a huge role in the comparison between two metros. Adding to San Franciscans' financial burden is one of the nation's highest state income tax rates, imposed by California. Washington has no state income tax, which would directly burden the take-home pay of Seattle workers. Seattle does have a higher sales tax, as well as other costs like property taxes and expensive vehicle tabs.

Which City Ends Up Being The More Costly Option For Both Long-Term Residents And Those Moving In?

The cost of living in Seattle, or San Francisco, is going to be high, but San Francisco is inevitable. With housing, transportation, and other everyday staples costing more in San Francisco, it can be increasingly difficult for people to keep up with the cost of living, he said. But Seattle is still cheaper than San Francisco. And it’s still an expensive place. So if you simply want to West Coast home with good job opportunities at a bit lower cost, you might prefer Seattle.