Seattle vs San Francisco - Salaries, Cost of Living, Housing & Community Insights

-$26K (-10%) vs San Francisco

+$2K (+1%) vs San Francisco

Seattle presents a polarizing but financially rewarding option for software engineers. The data confirms it as a powerhouse for net income, ranking #1 globally for purchasing power, which aligns with Reddit sentiments about the "bang for your buck" due to the absence of state income tax. While the median SWE salary of ~$245k is world-class, the cost of living is high (#114/124), though residents feel their money goes further here than in San Francisco.

The lifestyle is defined by a sharp seasonal divide: summers are euphoric and outdoorsy, while winters are notoriously gloomy, affecting mental health for many. Socially, the city is introverted; the "Seattle Freeze" is a recurring theme in nearly every discussion about moving there. Safety remains a nuanced topic, with tech hubs like South Lake Union being safe but boring, while parts of downtown are viewed as gritty. Ultimately, it offers a wealthy, nature-focused lifestyle for those who can tolerate the rain and social distance.

Current residents, especially transplants, express a "love-hate" relationship with the city. They deeply appreciate the financial freedom and the stunning natural beauty during the summer, often saying they "tolerate" the winter to get to the good months.

However, there is a pervasive undertone of loneliness in Reddit threads, with many tech workers admitting they struggle to form deep connections even after years of living there. A common sentiment is that Seattle is a place to build a career and bank account, but not necessarily a place to find a vibrant community unless you are extremely proactive.

37% cheaper than San Francisco

High Return on Investment: Residents frequently cite the lack of state income tax combined with high tech salaries as providing the "best bang for your buck" compared to other tech hubs like the Bay Area or NYC.

Access to Nature: The proximity to mountains, hiking, and water is a massive draw; even tech workers living in the city mention being able to go skiing or hiking within an hour's drive.

Chill Work Culture: Unlike the "grind" of Silicon Valley, Seattle's tech scene is often described as more relaxed and less competitive, with a better work-life balance and a "not suit and tie" atmosphere.

** glorious Summers**: While winters are gray, residents consistently describe the summer weather as "magnificent" and the best time of year, with long sunny days and comfortable temperatures.

Dog-Friendly Culture: The city is widely noted for being incredibly accommodating to dog owners, with numerous parks and businesses that welcome pets.

The Seattle Freeze: The most common complaint is the difficulty in making new friends; locals are described as polite but distant, making it hard for transplants to break into social circles.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The "Big Dark" (relentless gray skies and early sunsets in winter) is a major struggle, with many threads discussing Vitamin D supplements and happy lamps as necessities.

Downtown Safety & Homelessness: Specific neighborhoods like Belltown, 3rd Avenue, and Pioneer Square are frequently cited as feeling unsafe or having visible issues with homelessness and open drug use.

Nature-Loving Introverts: If your ideal weekend involves hiking alone or with a dog rather than clubbing, this is your paradise. The proximity to world-class outdoors is unmatched.

FIRE Adherents: Engineers focused on Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) will thrive here due to the high savings rate (#1 net income ranking) and no state income tax.

Cool-Weather Fans: People who hate the heat and actually enjoy "cozy" gray days, reading in coffee shops, and wearing layers will feel right at home.

Sun Worshippers: If you need sunshine to function, the long stretch of gray from October to May (with ~127 rainy days/year) will likely cause genuine misery and SAD.

Social Butterflies: Those who expect to make a large group of friends immediately upon arrival or crave a high-energy nightlife scene will find the city isolating and "cliquey."

Urban Vibrancy Seekers: If you want the hustle of NYC or the street energy of Chicago, Seattle's quiet, early-to-bed culture and sleepy downtown evenings will feel underwhelming.

5.4/10TechCities weather score vs 8.7/10 in San Francisco

16°C(vs 19°C in San Francisco)

9°C(vs 12°C in San Francisco)

2,170h/yr-892h/yr(-29%)

25°C(vs 22°C in San Francisco)

3°C(vs 8°C in San Francisco)

Seattle community pulse

Seattle has 16 Luma events listed.

69% fewer events than San Francisco.

1.8 years quicker than San Francisco

Ghost Town Tech Hubs: Areas heavily populated by tech offices, particularly South Lake Union (SLU), are described as sterile and lacking community, turning into "ghost towns" after 6 PM.

Traffic & Infrastructure: Residents complain about bad traffic and a city government perceived as ineffective at maintaining infrastructure, despite the city's wealth.

0/yr(same as San Francisco)

55%(vs 34% in San Francisco)

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