Seattle Now How does Seattle's cost of living stack up to other cities?
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Dec 26, 2025 In this discussion, James McCafferty, the Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University, dives into Seattle's high cost of living. He reveals that Seattle ranks around 14th for expenses, similar to San Diego and parts of LA. McCafferty explains how the C2ER study tracks a vast array of goods, highlighting surprising bargains like potatoes and doctor visits. He clarifies why average prices can mislead personal experiences and shares tips on navigating grocery pricing and economic news.
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Seattle Is Expensive But Not The Very Most
- Seattle ranks around 14th in cost of living among U.S. cities, placing it high but below the top 10.
- Its cohort includes San Diego and parts of New York, Los Angeles, and Boston where prices are ~40–50% above national average.
How The Price Comparison Works
- The study uses standardized shopping by local teams three times a year across many stores with the same item list.
- That method captures real consumer prices across groceries, utilities, services and housing for consistent city comparisons.
CPI Isn't The Same As Cost Of Living
- CPI measures inflation on a fixed basket and can be skewed by a few categories, so it doesn't equal cost of living.
- A cost-of-living study better reflects what consumers actually pay across many goods and services.