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Side-by-side comparison

Seattle vs New York City

Cost of living comparison for Seattle, Washington and New York City, New York.

Bottom line

New York City is approximately 16% more expensive than Seattle. A single person needs about $5,319/mo in New York City versus $4,588/mo in Seattle.

Rent in Seattle vs New York City

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Seattle · Studio
$2,238
New York City · Studio
$2,406
New York City is $168 (8%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · 1 bedroom
$2,293
New York City · 1 bedroom
$2,511
New York City is $218 (10%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · 2 bedroom
$2,671
New York City · 2 bedroom
$2,780
New York City is $109 (4%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · 3 bedroom
$3,521
New York City · 3 bedroom
$3,465
Seattle is $56 (2%) higher than New York City

Income & earnings in Seattle vs New York City

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Seattle · Household income
$122,148
New York City · Household income
$104,553
Seattle is $17,595 (17%) higher than New York City
Seattle · Individual earnings
$67,141
New York City · Individual earnings
$75,255
New York City is $8,114 (12%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · Per capita
$71,062
New York City · Per capita
$94,922
New York City is $23,860 (34%) higher than Seattle

Home values in Seattle vs New York City

Average values and property tax.

Seattle · Average home value
$811,200
New York City · Average home value
$1,108,900
New York City is $297,700 (37%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · Annual property tax
$6,785
New York City · Annual property tax
$10,001
New York City is $3,216 (47%) higher than Seattle

Energy in Seattle vs New York City

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Seattle · Monthly electricity
$109
New York City · Monthly electricity
$140
New York City is $31 (28%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · Monthly gas
$48
New York City · Monthly gas
$68
New York City is $20 (42%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · Annual total
$1,884
New York City · Annual total
$2,496
New York City is $612 (32%) higher than Seattle

Healthcare in Seattle vs New York City

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Seattle · Individual premium
$480
New York City · Individual premium
$480
Seattle and New York City are about the same
Seattle · Family premium
$1,350
New York City · Family premium
$1,350
Seattle and New York City are about the same
Seattle · Uninsured rate
5.2%
New York City · Uninsured rate
4.3%
Seattle is 0.9% (21%) higher than New York City

Taxes in Seattle vs New York City

State income and sales tax.

Seattle · State income tax
0.0%
New York City · State income tax
10.9%
New York City is 10.9% higher than Seattle
Seattle · State sales tax
6.5%
New York City · State sales tax
4.0%
Seattle is 2.5% (63%) higher than New York City
Seattle · Combined sales tax
10.2%
New York City · Combined sales tax
8.5%
Seattle is 1.7% (20%) higher than New York City

Transportation in Seattle vs New York City

Commute time and travel modes.

Seattle · Average commute
28.1 min
New York City · Average commute
31.4 min
New York City is 3.3 min (12%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · Drive alone
51.8%
New York City · Drive alone
5.7%
Seattle is 46.1% (809%) higher than New York City
Seattle · Public transit
8.0%
New York City · Public transit
45.5%
New York City is 37.5% (469%) higher than Seattle

Monthly cost estimates in Seattle vs New York City

All categories combined.

Seattle · Single person
$4,588
New York City · Single person
$5,319
New York City is $731 (16%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · Couple
$6,424
New York City · Couple
$6,684
New York City is $260 (4%) higher than Seattle
Seattle · Family
$9,440
New York City · Family
$9,554
New York City is $114 (1%) higher than Seattle

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Seattle and New York City.

Is Seattle or New York City more expensive?

New York City is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,588/mo in Seattle, Washington and $5,319/mo in New York City, New York, a difference of about 16%.

What is the rent difference between Seattle and New York City?

Average one-bedroom rent in Seattle, Washington is $2,293/mo versus $2,511/mo in New York City, New York. New York City is approximately $218 (10%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Seattle or New York City?

Seattle has the higher average household income. Seattle households earn approximately $122,148 per year; New York City households earn approximately $104,553 per year.

More on Seattle and New York City

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.