City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United States
COL index 88.2
United States
COL index 90.8
Los Angeles vs Seattle — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 2.9% cheaper than Seattle for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Los Angeles | Metric | Seattle | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88.2 | Cost of living index | 90.8 | +2.9% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,511 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,511 | 0.0% |
| €2,980 | Rent — 1BR centre | €3,180 | +6.7% |
| €4,030 | Monthly COL (single) | €4,291 | +6.5% |
| €47,064 | PPP — net / COL | €45,716 | -2.9% |
| 17.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 17.0% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United States = €3,459 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Seattle, you would need roughly €51,482 gross in United States (≈ €3,561 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€2,980 vs €3,180)
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (86.1%)
- −High cost of living (index 91)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (91.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Los Angeles carries a lower cost-of-living index; Los Angeles wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Los Angeles edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Seattle?+
Los Angeles is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Los Angeles 88.2, Seattle 90.8 — a 2.9% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Los Angeles and Seattle?+
Los Angeles sits at 88.2 on our COL index, Seattle at 90.8. That works out to roughly 2.9% — Los Angeles being the cheaper of the two.
Is Los Angeles a good place to live compared to Seattle?+
It depends on priorities. Los Angeles delivers €41,511 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 17.0% effective tax rate. Seattle delivers €41,511 at 17.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,980 vs €3,180.
How do salaries compare in Los Angeles vs Seattle?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Los Angeles and €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Seattle.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Seattle?+
United States has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United States 17.0%, United States 17.0%.