A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between New York, NY and Seattle, WA.
NY
Population: 8,258,035
WA
Population: 749,256
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | New York, NY | Seattle, WA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 150 | 160 | -6.3% |
| Median Home Price | $680,000 | $750,000 | -9.3% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.88% | 0.93% | -5.4% |
| Median Household Income | $74,694 | $110,781 | -32.6% |
| Population | 8,258,035 | 749,256 | +1002.2% |
New York, NY is 6.3% cheaper to live in than Seattle, WA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$70,000
New York, NY is cheaper by 9.3%
Income Difference
$36,087
Seattle, WA earns more by 32.6%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
New York, NY
9.1x
$680,000 / $74,694
Seattle, WA
6.8x
$750,000 / $110,781
Overall, New York, NY is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 150 compared to 160, a median home price of $680,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 9.1x, New York, NY 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.