Kept

City vs city

San Francisco vs Seattle

$100,000 in San Francisco buys a lifestyle closer to $81,000 in Seattle, because Seattle's cost-of-living index is 144 versus 178.

San Francisco

Tech wages are high, but housing absorbs a large share of even six-figure take-home pay.

COL index
178
Typical 1-bed
$3,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$151,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Francisco guide

Seattle

No state income tax, high wages, and high housing. Take-home stretches further than in California at the same salary.

COL index
144
Typical 1-bed
$2,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$122,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Seattle guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diegovs Irvine