Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle in Seattle, you'd need to earn:
$68,170/year
▼ $6,830 less than you make now
| Category | Los Angeles | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $68,170 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$6,611 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,227 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$988 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $56,344 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -2.2% in Seattle
- Housing is -11.2% in Seattle
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $3,517/year in taxes in Seattle
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~960 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Los Angeles to Seattle
| Your Los Angeles Salary | Seattle Equivalent | Difference | Seattle Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $37,844 | -$2,156 | $32,446 |
| $50,000 | $46,937 | -$3,063 | $39,752 |
| $60,000 | $55,849 | -$4,151 | $46,913 |
| $75,000 | $68,170 | -$6,830 | $56,344 |
| $100,000 | $89,405 | -$10,595 | $71,282 |
| $150,000 | $131,334 | -$18,666 | $100,520 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Los Angeles and Seattle Compare
Housing (11% cheaper in Seattle)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle rents for $1,937/month compared to $2,295/month in Los Angeles. Median home prices: $728,000 in Seattle vs $940,000 in Los Angeles.
Taxes
California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. Washington has no state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Seattle would save you about $3,517/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Seattle's overall cost of living is 2.2% lower than Los Angeles, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Los Angeles: 113.6, Seattle: 111.1.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Los Angeles to Seattle move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
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 →