🇺🇸 San Francisco vs 🇺🇸 Seattle
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
San Francisco
United States
$3,385–$5,359/mo
$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Seattle
United States
$2,954–$4,677/mo
$2,954 – $4,677 / month (local)
San Francisco is 15% more expensive
Seattle wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | San Francisco (USD) | Seattle (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,538–$3,949 | $2,215–$3,446 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,340–$2,115 | $1,169–$1,846 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Utilities | $106–$204 | $92–$178 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Groceries | $536–$804 | $468–$702 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $71–$127 | $62–$111 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Public transport (monthly) | $134–$162 | $117–$142 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Internet & Mobile | $42–$71 | $37–$62 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Gym membership | $49–$92 | $43–$80 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Cinema ticket | $20–$25 | $17–$22 | 🟢 Seattle |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,385–$5,359 | $2,954–$4,677 | 🟢 Seattle |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing2.2 / 10 · 3.0 / 10
San Francisco
Seattle▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Seattle
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Seattle
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Seattle
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Seattle
Economy7.0 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Seattle
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Seattle
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
San Francisco▲ better
Seattle
Who should choose which city?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Seattle
- ✓Tech salaries
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tech workers
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
- ✓Tech jobs
- ✓Nature access
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Amazon/Microsoft alumni
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Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →📊
Full Seattle guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seattle →