City Comparison
Seattle vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Seattle is ~3% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Seattle
United States
COL+Rent
67.7
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
82.2
Restaurant
86.5
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Seattle | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,553 | $2,627 | $74 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,001 | $2,059 | $58 |
| Groceries | $471 | $484 | $13 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 | $26 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $83 | $85 | $2 |
| Utilities | $191 | $196 | $5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Seattle | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,705/mo | $2,783/mo |
| Typical | $3,673/mo | $3,782/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,525/mo | $4,663/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Seattle | ≈ in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,540/mo | +$40 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,053/mo | +$53 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,080/mo | +$80 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Seattle is approximately 3% cheaper overall. Seattle's COL+Rent Index is 67.7 vs Los Angeles's 69.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Seattle vs Los Angeles?
A 1BR in Seattle city center costs ~$2,553/mo vs $2,627/mo in Los Angeles. Outside the center: $2,001 vs $2,059.
What is $2,000/month in Seattle worth in Los Angeles?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Seattle has the purchasing power of approximately $2,053/month in Los Angeles.
Are groceries cheaper in Seattle or Los Angeles?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $471 in Seattle vs $484 in Los Angeles. Groceries Index: 82.2 vs 84.4 (NYC = 100).