Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 111.1 in Seattle, WA in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 4.0% more expensive than Seattle; housing rents differ by 29% (194.7 vs 151.3). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $72,094 buys in Seattle, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Seattle | San Francisco vs Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 111.1 | +4.0% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 104.0 | +4.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 151.3 | +28.7% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 92.8 | +85.9% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 106.8 | -0.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 109.1 | +9.1% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Seattle | $48,063 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Seattle | $96,125 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Seattle | $144,188 |
Related
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Tampa, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs San Francisco, CA (2024)
- Cost of living in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA vs US average (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.