San Francisco vs Seattle
Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Overall Verdict
Seattle is 24% cheaper than San Francisco overall. San Francisco is very expensive while Seattle is very expensive.
$1,969/mo
San Francisco 1BR Rent
$1,494/mo
Seattle 1BR Rent
Cost Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Seattle | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Rent (City Center) | $1,969/mo | $1,494/mo | Seattle |
| 3BR Rent (City Center) | $3,321/mo | $2,432/mo | Seattle |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $20 | $15 | Seattle |
| Meal for 2 (Mid-Range) | $74 | $56 | Seattle |
| Monthly Groceries | $472 | $361 | Seattle |
| Monthly Transport | $102 | $74 | Seattle |
| Monthly Utilities | $192 | $145 | Seattle |
| Internet | $72/mo | $45/mo | Seattle |
| Coffee | $5 | $5 | Seattle |
| Beer (Domestic) | $7 | $6 | Seattle |
| Gym Membership | $59/mo | $39/mo | Seattle |
Quality of Life Comparison
Overall Quality
85
83
Safety
50
52
Healthcare
82
82
Education
83
86
Internet Speed
156
156
Nightlife
88
80
Which City Is Better For...
Budget LivingSeattle
SafetySeattle
HealthcareSeattle
NightlifeSan Francisco
FamiliesSeattle
Remote WorkSeattle