New York, NY vs Seattle, WA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Headline costs are comparable, but local incomes are not: Seattle median household earnings of $121,984 run 35% above New York's $79,713 — a meaningful purchasing-power difference at the same price tag. Seattle also has no state income tax, while the other state tops out at 10.9% — a meaningful annual difference at higher income levels.
Median Home Value
$751,700 ✓
$912,100
Zillow Home Value
$812,534
$848,869
Median Gross Rent
$1,779/mo ✓
$1,998/mo
Owner Occupied %
32.8%
44.3%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.2x
38.0x
Median Household Income
$79,713
$121,984 ✓
Per Capita Income
$50,776
$82,508
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
4.2% ✓
Poverty Rate
17.4%
9.9%
Avg Commute (min)
44.8 min
28.9 min
Drove Alone %
21.9%
37.6%
Public Transit %
45.5%
13.9%
Work From Home %
15.0%
31.3%
State Income Tax
10.9%
None
Total Sales Tax
8.5% ✓
9.2%
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
1.0%
Bachelor's Degree %
23.6%
37.6%
Median Age
38
35.5
Avg High Temp
62.6°F
60.8°F
Annual Precipitation
49.5"
37.8"
Annual Snowfall
29.8"
3.8"
New York, NY 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
Seattle, WA 2 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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