Los Angeles vs Seattle

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Seattle is roughly 8% more affordable than Los Angeles (index 85 vs 93, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Seattle
More affordable overall
8% cheaper than Los Angeles · Cost index: 85 vs 93

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

93Cost Index85
3,834Median Income /mo6,400
40Safety Index68
25Income Tax %0
242Internet (Mbps)512
300Coworking /mo300

Price Breakdown

Los AngelesCategorySeattle
$2,839/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
19% ← cheaper
$2,310/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
11% cheaper →
$1.8/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
11% cheaper →
$18/meal
$122/month
Monthly Transit Pass
11% ← cheaper
$108/month
$245/month
Utilities (Monthly)
10% ← cheaper
$220/month
$164/visit
Doctor Visit
9% ← cheaper
$150/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Los Angeles

Internet242 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability69/100

Seattle

Internet512 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability74/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles cheaper than Seattle?

Seattle is cheaper than Los Angeles. Seattle has a cost of living index of 85/100 compared to 93/100 for Los Angeles (New York = 100), making it roughly 8% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Seattle than Los Angeles?

Seattle is approximately 8% cheaper than Los Angeles based on cost index scores (85 vs 93, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Los Angeles could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,747/month in Seattle.

What is the rent comparison between Los Angeles and Seattle?

In Los Angeles, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,839/month. In Seattle, the equivalent is around $2,310/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Los Angeles or Seattle?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Los Angeles offers 242 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Seattle offers 512 Mbps and coworking at ~$300/month. Seattle has a cost advantage of 8%.

What is the average income in Los Angeles vs Seattle?

The median net monthly salary in Los Angeles is approximately $3,834 USD, compared to $6,400 USD in Seattle.

Compare Los Angeles with…

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Or explore:New York

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