Los Angeles vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, Los Angeles comes in at $822,600 — 7% lower than Seattle, where the median is $879,900.
Los Angeles's median household income runs $76,244, against $116,068 in Seattle.
Median rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles, compared with $1,945 in Seattle.
FEMA rates both cities' overall hazard risk as "Very High."
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,881,041 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $822,600 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $76,244 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $1,791 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
Seattle, WA runs higher than Los Angeles, CA on both median home value and rent — a clear housing-cost edge for Los Angeles, CA, though only on housing.
Moving between Los Angeles and Seattle
Los Angeles and Seattle are 962 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | Los Angeles → Seattle | Seattle → Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | +$154/mo (+9%) | −$154/mo (−8%) |
| Median home value | +$57,300 (+7%) | −$57,300 (−7%) |
| Median household income | +$39,824 (+52%) | −$39,824 (−34%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $1,379 – $2,186 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $3,255 – $5,104 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $5,511 – $8,602 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
Los Angeles, CA Seattle, WA
1,106 miles estimated driving distance · 18.4 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$1,352 – $1,720
Includes an estimated $387 in fuel (111 gal at ~10 mpg) over 2 driving days.
Professional Movers
$5,393 – $9,901
Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.
Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
- Best cities in California
- Best cities in Washington
- Los Angeles vs San Diego: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Seattle vs Denver: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.