Moving from Boston to Seattle?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Boston lifestyle in Seattle, you'd need to earn:
$71,819/year
▼ $3,181 less than you make now
| Category | Boston | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $71,819 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,414 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,453 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,041 |
| State Tax | -$3,750 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,399 | $58,911 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +2.6% in Seattle
- Housing is +2.0% in Seattle
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,750/year in taxes in Seattle
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~2,486 miles
DIY Truck
$5,000
Container
$8,500
Full-Service
$12,000
Salary Equivalents: Boston to Seattle
| Your Boston Salary | Seattle Equivalent | Difference | Seattle Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $38,562 | -$1,438 | $33,023 |
| $50,000 | $48,193 | -$1,807 | $40,762 |
| $60,000 | $57,823 | -$2,177 | $48,499 |
| $75,000 | $71,819 | -$3,181 | $58,911 |
| $100,000 | $95,626 | -$4,374 | $75,659 |
| $150,000 | $143,058 | -$6,942 | $108,533 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Boston and Seattle Compare
Housing (2% more expensive in Seattle)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle rents for $1,937/month compared to $2,950/month in Boston. Median home prices: $728,000 in Seattle vs $825,000 in Boston.
Taxes
Massachusetts has a progressive state income tax from 5.0% to 9.0%. Washington has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Seattle would save you about $3,750/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Seattle's overall cost of living is 2.6% higher than Boston, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Boston: 108.3, Seattle: 111.1.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Boston to Seattle move. Average cost: $5,000–$12,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Seattle
Average 1BR rent in Seattle: $1,937/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →