Is It Cheaper to Live in Seattle or California?
Hey! You're considering relocating to the West Coast and are trying to determine whether Seattle or California is going to be more affordable? Let us take a closer look and compare these two trendy beasts’ side-by-side for cost of living.
Cost of Housing: A Tale of Two Cities
First things first, let's talk about housing, it is no secret that these two-U.S. states, California and Seattle, have very expensive real estate. Seattle has a median home price of around 815,000 dollars. The same as in Los Angeles, which is approximately 950, 000 dollars. And if there is a need to include in the list even San Francisco, then be previously ready, since the average home price amounts there to the unbelievable 1.4 million dollars - an end
It is also very costly in both cities to rent, though Seattle is a bit more affordable. You would pay around $2,367 per month for a one-bed apartment in Seattle city center, and in LA you'll have to pay around $2,548.
Utilities and Transportation
Utility costs like electricity and gas are some 6 percent higher than the national average at around $272 per month, but, as in California, are city-specific and tend to be higher than Seattle.
Transportation. Seattle has a fairly decent public transportation system. A monthly pass will cost about $100. In California, gasoline is some of the highest in the country, besides traffic is getting worse by the year, and LA being the worst than San Francisco today can drive at crawly 10mph.
Food and Groceries
Now, to everyone's favorite topic-food! Foodies, be warned; Seattle has some of the highest grocery prices in the nation, averaging around 25% higher than the national average. Milk, a gallon, in Seattle averages $3.04, and a dozen eggs averages $4.70. California's grocery prices are higher than average but slightly lower than Seattle's.
Dining out is expensive in both cities. Seattle seems to be more inclusive as far as pricing goes. It can be expensive to dine out in both places, but there are options to eat out in Seattle at all different price levels.
Healthcare and Other Expenses
Health care is another factor. Health care in Seattle is 30% higher than the national average. Health care in California runs up to 38% higher than the national average.
Other expenses, though-like entertainment, clothing, and personal care services-are also more expensive in both Seattle and California than in many other areas of the country.
The Verdict
So, which one is more affordable: Seattle or California? The answer is. it all depends! Yes, both are more expensive on the whole to live there, but your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle and where you live in either state.
Seattle, overall, was slightly more affordable than a lot of California, as discussed above in the example of housing. However, Seattle's high grocery prices and a high cost for healthcare added up quickly to still make a lot of expenses.
At the end of the day, it really just comes down to personal preference, job opportunity, and budget. If you want cheaper housing and do not mind the rain, Seattle might be the better choice, but if you want sunshine and can stand a higher cost, it may very well be California.
Oh, and one other thing - if you end up making the move to Seattle, you'll definitely want to consider budgeting in an affordable cleaning service in Seattle, WA. That rain and mud will create a mess in your place. A good cleaning service can take some of the stress off you so that you can get out and enjoy your new city to its fullest!
While both Seattle and California are quite expensive to live in, Seattle is considerably cheaper than California, particularly in terms of housing. All the factors that will add to your cost of living, including foodstuffs, health care, and transport. By weighing these costs against your personal priorities and lifestyle, you can make an informed decision regarding which West Coast city fits you best. And remember, wherever you land, a little help from a trustworthy cleaning service goes a long way in making your new digs feel like a haven.
