47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
54
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Seattle wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Seattle wins 1–2 overall (54/100)
💰 Los Angeles is more affordable
💼 Seattle has lower unemployment
🛡️ Seattle has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Seattle — The Verdict
Seattle scores 54.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Los Angeles edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Seattle has a notably lower disaster history with 40 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Los Angeles are 7% lower — a difference of $57,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Los Angeles saves you $154/month — that's $1,848 per year.
💵
Households in Seattle earn $39,824 more per year (52% higher median income).
📊
Seattle has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Seattle has experienced 40 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$879,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,945
Median Income
$76,244
$116,068
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 7% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.7%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Seattle having a slight edge at 4.7% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
14
Seattle has a markedly lower disaster history — 40 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Seattle: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles is more affordable overall. Home prices are $57,300 lower in Los Angeles. Monthly rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles vs $1,945 in Seattle.
Does Los Angeles or Seattle have better weather?
Seattle scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Seattle better for finding a job?
Seattle currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.7% in Seattle. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $116,068 in Seattle.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Seattle?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Seattle is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Seattle. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Seattle.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Seattle?
Based on our data, Seattle scores 54.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Seattle is more affordable, while Seattle has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.