City Comparison
Los Angeles vs Seattle
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Seattle is ~3% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Seattle
United States
COL+Rent
67.7
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
82.2
Restaurant
86.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Seattle | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $2,553 | +$74 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $2,001 | +$58 |
| Groceries | $484 | $471 | +$13 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $25 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $83 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $196 | $191 | +$5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $2,705/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $3,673/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $4,525/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,461/mo | -$39 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,948/mo | -$52 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,922/mo | -$78 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Seattle is approximately 3% cheaper overall. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index is 69.5 vs Seattle's 67.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Seattle?
A 1BR in Los Angeles city center costs ~$2,627/mo vs $2,553/mo in Seattle. Outside the center: $2,059 vs $2,001.
What is $2,000/month in Los Angeles worth in Seattle?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Los Angeles has the purchasing power of approximately $1,948/month in Seattle.
Are groceries cheaper in Los Angeles or Seattle?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $484 in Los Angeles vs $471 in Seattle. Groceries Index: 84.4 vs 82.2 (NYC = 100).