San Francisco vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Median home value runs $1,348,700 in San Francisco, 53% higher than the $879,900 median in Seattle.
Income differs between the two: $136,689 at the median in San Francisco, $116,068 in Seattle.
On median rent, San Francisco runs $2,316 while Seattle runs $1,945.
FEMA's National Risk Index puts both cities at "Very High" for overall natural-hazard risk.
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 851,036 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $1,348,700 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $136,689 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $2,316 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
Housing is cheaper across the board in Seattle, WA compared with San Francisco, CA: lower home values, lower rent. Other cost-of-living factors aren't reflected here.
Moving between San Francisco and Seattle
San Francisco and Seattle are 684 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | San Francisco → Seattle | Seattle → San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | −$371/mo (−16%) | +$371/mo (+19%) |
| Median home value | −$468,800 (−35%) | +$468,800 (+53%) |
| Median household income | −$20,621 (−15%) | +$20,621 (+18%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $1,108 – $1,745 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2,744 – $4,273 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $4,735 – $7,341 |
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.
San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA
787 miles estimated driving distance · 13.1 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$1,037 – $1,321
Includes an estimated $275 in fuel (79 gal at ~10 mpg) over 2 driving days.
Professional Movers
$4,097 – $7,408
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.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.