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New York vs Seattle: prices, pay and housing
| New York, NY | Seattle, WA | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 112.6 | 111.1 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $86,310 | $91,790 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $61,430 | $72,610 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $76,677 | $82,595 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $65,407 | $73,404 |
| Typical home value | $727,625 | $750,279 |
| Median household income | $97,334 | $112,594 |
| Home price / household income | 7.5 | 6.7 |
| Metro population | 19,756,722 | 4,021,467 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: New York to Seattle
To keep the same standard of living when moving from New York to Seattle, multiply your salary by 0.987.
| Salary in New York | Same buying power in Seattle |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in New York | $49,365 in Seattle |
| $75,000 in New York | $74,047 in Seattle |
| $100,000 in New York | $98,730 in Seattle |
| $150,000 in New York | $148,094 in Seattle |
| $200,000 in New York | $197,459 in Seattle |
Salaries for common jobs in New York and Seattle
| Job | New York | Seattle | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $165,870 | $174,920 | $147,357 / $157,397 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $41,120 | $49,500 | $36,531 / $44,541 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $37,130 | $42,260 | $32,986 / $38,027 |
| Retail Salespersons | $43,950 | $45,020 | $39,045 / $40,510 |
| Registered Nurses | $119,600 | $126,390 | $106,252 / $113,729 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $98,820 | $110,050 | $87,791 / $99,025 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $42,380 | $47,470 | $37,650 / $42,715 |
| Cashiers | $38,180 | $44,720 | $33,919 / $40,240 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $45,280 | $49,650 | $40,226 / $44,676 |
| General and Operations Managers | $189,200 | $169,740 | $168,084 / $152,736 |
| Office Clerks, General | $50,080 | $56,470 | $44,491 / $50,813 |
| Project Management Specialists | $131,730 | $133,590 | $117,028 / $120,207 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $45,520 | $49,380 | $40,440 / $44,433 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $55,000 | $62,940 | $48,862 / $56,635 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $54,410 | $56,350 | $48,337 / $50,705 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
More cost of living comparisons
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New York vs Seattle: questions
Is New York more expensive than Seattle?
Yes. BEA prices are 112.6 in New York, NY and 111.1 in Seattle, WA (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $100,000 in New York?
About $98,730, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, New York or Seattle?
Seattle, WA: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.