Moving from San Francisco to Seattle — What It Really Costs
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFHousing difference
Median 1BR rent in Seattle is $2,146/mo vs $2,977/mo in San Francisco — a difference of $831/month ($9,972/year).
Salary difference — purchasing power
Your $70,000 in San Francisco feels like approximately $44,758 in Seattle — a purchasing power reduction of 36%.
Tax difference
On a $70,000 salary, take-home in Seattle is about $57,631/year vs $51,121/year in San Francisco — a gain of $6,510/year from state income tax differences.
Breathing room comparison
San Francisco
Seattle
Should I move? The bottom line
Moving from San Francisco to Seattle changes your monthly housing by about $831 and your annual take-home by about $6,510. Your money won't stretch as far — purchasing power falls about 36%, so aim for a higher salary to hold your standard of living.
This is a picture, not a verdict.
Moving San Francisco → Seattle — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Seattle?
Yes — median 1BR rent in Seattle ($2,146/mo) is lower than in San Francisco ($2,977/mo). Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Seattle?
To match the purchasing power of $70,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $44,758 in Seattle, after housing and taxes. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR, Tax Foundation 2025.
What is the cost of living difference between San Francisco and Seattle?
Median 1BR rent differs by about $831/month, and take-home on a $70,000 salary differs by about $6,510/year due to state taxes. This is a picture, not a verdict.