The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 3% more expensive than Seattle.
If you move from Los Angeles to Seattle, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $72,353 in Seattle.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Los Angeles:
Why people love Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $2,730 | $-245 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $428 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $322 | +$7 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $114 | $-23 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $170 | $-10 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $3,764 | $-270 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 70/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Seattle to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,235 | $1,765 less |
| $75,000 | $72,353 | $2,647 less |
| $100,000 | $96,471 | $3,529 less |
| $125,000 | $120,588 | $4,412 less |
| $150,000 | $144,706 | $5,294 less |
| $200,000 | $192,941 | $7,059 less |
Los Angeles vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. Seattle is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while Seattle has 78.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs Seattle: $5,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 1, while Seattle wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.