City Comparison
Seattle vs New York
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Seattle is ~18% 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
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Seattle | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,553 | $3,182 | $629 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,001 | $2,494 | $493 |
| Groceries | $471 | $566 | $95 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 | $30 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $83 | $99 | $16 |
| Utilities | $191 | $229 | $38 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Seattle | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,705/mo | $3,338/mo |
| Typical | $3,673/mo | $4,526/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,525/mo | $5,567/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Seattle | ≈ in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,828/mo | +$328 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,437/mo | +$437 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,656/mo | +$656 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle or New York cheaper to live in?
Seattle is approximately 18% cheaper overall. Seattle's COL+Rent Index is 67.7 vs New York's 82.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Seattle vs New York?
A 1BR in Seattle city center costs ~$2,553/mo vs $3,182/mo in New York. Outside the center: $2,001 vs $2,494.
What is $2,000/month in Seattle worth in New York?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Seattle has the purchasing power of approximately $2,437/month in New York.
Are groceries cheaper in Seattle or New York?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $471 in Seattle vs $566 in New York. Groceries Index: 82.2 vs 98.7 (NYC = 100).