Is Seattle or Los Angeles more affordable?
Seattle has a median rent of $1,801/month, while Los Angeles is $1,852/month. Seattle is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Seattle, WA vs Los Angeles, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Seattle and Los Angeles.
3
Seattle wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Los Angeles wins
WA
Seattle
vs
CA
Los Angeles
Overview
726,054
Population
3,898,747
$105,391✓
Median Income
-34.4%$69,144
Cost of Living
$1,801✓
Median Rent / mo
+2.8%$1,852
$767,500
Median Home Price
-2.3%$750,000✓
21%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
9.50%
Climate & Weather
49.82°F
Avg High Temp
75°F
46.72°F
Avg Low Temp
58°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
284 days✓
N/A
Annual Rainfall
15"
Who should choose
Seattle, WA
Seattle is a city in Washington with a population of 726,054.
Read full Seattle guide →Who should choose
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a city in California with a population of 3,898,747.
Read full Los Angeles guide →Seattle vs Los Angeles — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Seattle or Los Angeles?
Washington has no state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Seattle wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Seattle and Los Angeles?
Los Angeles gets 284 sunny days/year. Avg high in Seattle: 49.82°F. Avg high in Los Angeles: 75°F
Which city is better for families — Seattle or Los Angeles?
Seattle. Los Angeles. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.