Purchasing Power: San Francisco vs Seattle (2026)
See what your salary in San Francisco would feel like in Seattle — and what you'd need to earn to maintain the same lifestyle.
From City
Your Gross Salary in San Francisco
To City
🎉 Living in Seattle costs 30.4% less than San Francisco
Monthly Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Seattle
| Category |  San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent | $3,800 | $2,400 |
| 🛒 Groceries | $550 | $480 |
| 🍽️ Eating Out | $320 | $280 |
| 🚌 Transport | $120 | $100 |
| ⚡ Utilities | $150 | $180 |
| Total Essentials | $4,940 | $3,440 |
To match your lifestyle in San Francisco on $100,000/year, you need approximately $70,265/year gross in Seattle.
That's $5,855/month gross, or roughly $34/hour.
San Francisco
Monthly Net: $6,416
Monthly Expenses: $4,940
Disposable: $1,476
Savings Rate: 23.0%
Seattle (estimated)
Monthly Expenses: $3,440
To match disposable: $4,916 net/month needed
Equivalent gross: $70,265/year
Compare other city pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does $100,000 go in Seattle compared to San Francisco?
A monthly lifestyle that costs $4,940 in San Francisco will cost approximately 69.6% of that amount in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my lifestyle in San Francisco?
To maintain the same disposable income and lifestyle as earning $100,000/year in San Francisco, you would need to earn approximately $70,265/year gross in Seattle.
Is Seattle cheaper than San Francisco to live in?
Yes, Seattle is cheaper than San Francisco. Monthly essential costs are $3,440 in Seattle versus $4,940 in San Francisco — 30.4% less.