City Comparison · 2026
New York City vs Seattle
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in New York City = $78k in Seattle
Metric
New York City
Seattle
COL Index
2.13
✓1.66
1BR Monthly Rent
$3,500/mo
✓$2,400/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$4,500/mo
✓$3,100/mo
State Income Tax
NY
WA
$100k Take-Home
$73,522
✓$78,736
$100k Effective Rate
26.48%
✓21.26%
$100k Savings Potential
$31,522
✓$49,936
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | New York City NY | Seattle WA |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,420 $3,952/mo · 20.97% eff. | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,522 $6,127/mo · 26.48% eff. | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. |
| $150,000 | $104,939 $8,745/mo · 30.04% eff. | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City or Seattle cheaper to live in?
New York City has a cost-of-living index of 2.13 while Seattle is 1.66 (1.00 = US average). Seattle is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in New York City is $3,500/month vs $2,400/month in Seattle.
How much more do you need to earn in New York City vs Seattle?
$100k in New York City = $78k in Seattle. Cost of living in Seattle is lower by 22.1%.
Which city has better after-tax income — New York City or Seattle?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,522 in NY (New York City) and $78,736 in WA (Seattle). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $31,522 in New York City vs $49,936 in Seattle.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideNew York City vs Los Angeles cost of livingNew York City vs Chicago cost of livingNew York City vs Houston cost of livingCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesCost of living in ChicagoSoftware Engineer salary in New York CityRegistered Nurse salary in New York CityWhere does $100k rank nationally?