55
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
54
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
New York wins 2–2 overall (55/100)
💰 New York is more affordable
💼 New York has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Seattle — The Verdict
It's a close call — New York (55.2/100) and Seattle (54.8/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, New York has a clear edge with home prices 17% lower. For safety-conscious movers, New York has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years. New York may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in New York are 17% lower — a difference of $147,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in New York saves you $231/month — that's $2,772 per year.
💵
Households in Seattle earn $39,461 more per year (52% higher median income).
🛡️
New York has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$879,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,945
Median Income
$76,607
$116,068
New York edges out Seattle on housing costs by 17%, a difference of $147,800. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.7%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
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)
9
14
New York has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from New York to Seattle: Common Questions
Is New York or Seattle cheaper to live in?
New York is more affordable overall. Home prices are $147,800 lower in New York. Monthly rent is $1,714 in New York vs $1,945 in Seattle.
Does New York or Seattle have better weather?
Seattle scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Seattle better for finding a job?
New York currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 4.7% in Seattle. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $116,068 in Seattle.
Which city is safer — New York or Seattle?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Seattle. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Seattle.
Should I move from New York to Seattle?
Based on our data, New York scores 55.2/100 vs Seattle's 54.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — New York 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.