City Comparison
New York vs Seattle
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Seattle is ~18% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Seattle
United States
COL+Rent
67.7
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
82.2
Restaurant
86.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | Seattle | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $2,553 | +$629 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $2,001 | +$493 |
| Groceries | $566 | $471 | +$95 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $25 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $83 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $229 | $191 | +$38 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $2,705/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $3,673/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $4,525/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,231/mo | -$269 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,641/mo | -$359 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,462/mo | -$538 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Seattle is approximately 18% cheaper overall. New York's COL+Rent Index is 82.5 vs Seattle's 67.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in New York vs Seattle?
A 1BR in New York city center costs ~$3,182/mo vs $2,553/mo in Seattle. Outside the center: $2,494 vs $2,001.
What is $2,000/month in New York worth in Seattle?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in New York has the purchasing power of approximately $1,641/month in Seattle.
Are groceries cheaper in New York or Seattle?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $566 in New York vs $471 in Seattle. Groceries Index: 98.7 vs 82.2 (NYC = 100).