City Comparison
Seattle vs San Francisco
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Seattle is ~10% 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
San Francisco
United States
COL+Rent
75.6
Rent Index
63.1
Groceries
91.5
Restaurant
96.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Seattle | San Francisco | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,553 | $2,868 | $315 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,001 | $2,248 | $247 |
| Groceries | $471 | $525 | $54 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 | $28 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $83 | $92 | $9 |
| Utilities | $191 | $212 | $21 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Seattle | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,705/mo | $3,032/mo |
| Typical | $3,673/mo | $4,117/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,525/mo | $5,072/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Seattle | ≈ in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,675/mo | +$175 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,233/mo | +$233 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,350/mo | +$350 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Seattle is approximately 10% cheaper overall. Seattle's COL+Rent Index is 67.7 vs San Francisco's 75.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Seattle vs San Francisco?
A 1BR in Seattle city center costs ~$2,553/mo vs $2,868/mo in San Francisco. Outside the center: $2,001 vs $2,248.
What is $2,000/month in Seattle worth in San Francisco?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Seattle has the purchasing power of approximately $2,233/month in San Francisco.
Are groceries cheaper in Seattle or San Francisco?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $471 in Seattle vs $525 in San Francisco. Groceries Index: 82.2 vs 91.5 (NYC = 100).