A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA.
CA
Population: 3,820,914
WA
Population: 749,256
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 170 | 160 | +6.3% |
| Median Home Price | $850,000 | $750,000 | +13.3% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.76% | 0.93% | -18.3% |
| Median Household Income | $75,902 | $110,781 | -31.5% |
| Population | 3,820,914 | 749,256 | +410.0% |
Seattle, WA is 6.3% cheaper to live in than Los Angeles, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$100,000
Seattle, WA is cheaper by 13.3%
Income Difference
$34,879
Seattle, WA earns more by 31.5%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Los Angeles, CA
11.2x
$850,000 / $75,902
Seattle, WA
6.8x
$750,000 / $110,781
Overall, Seattle, WA is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 160 compared to 170, a median home price of $750,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 6.8x, Seattle, WA offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Seattle, WA ($110,781) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.