Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Seattle (2026)
Compare cost of living: Los Angeles vs Seattle. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Seattle is 5% cheaper.
Los Angeles is approximately 5% more expensive than Seattle overall. Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle could save you $4800+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Los Angeles vs Seattle including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Los Angeles or Seattle is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Los Angeles | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 166 | 158 | +5% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,600/mo | $2,200/mo | +$400 |
| Median Salary | $65,000 | $78,000 | $-13,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $108 | $110 | $-2 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $125 | $115 | +$10 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Los Angeles, you would need approximately $71,386 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Seattle requires $78,797 in Los Angeles.
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Seattle |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,590 |
| $75,000 | $71,386 |
| $100,000 | $95,181 |
| $125,000 | $118,976 |
| $150,000 | $142,771 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,600 in Los Angeles vs $2,200 in Seattle — $400/month or $4,800/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.