🇺🇸 New York vs 🇺🇸 Seattle

United States vs United States — relocation comparison

58
Livability Score
🇺🇸 New York
United States
Full profile →
61
Livability Score
🇺🇸 Seattle
United States
Full profile →
Seattle edges ahead on most metrics. New York isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
New York
Metric
Seattle
$4113/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$2511/mo
5.8 homicides/100k
🔒
Safety
8.8 homicides/100k
28°C
☀️
Summer high
24°C
-1°C
❄️
Winter low
2°C
162 Mbps
Internet speed
185 Mbps
7.8 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
7.8 / 10
Very High (100/100)
🗣️
English ease
Very High (100/100)
$86k
💼
GDP per capita
$86k
2.9%
📈
Inflation
3.0%
58 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
61 / 100
83/100 — Decent
Grid reliability
83/100 — Decent
80/100
🗽
Freedom House
80/100
5 years
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

declining
Democracy trend
declining
hub
Startup ecosystem
hub
Moderate
EU visa
Moderate

New York vs Seattle: The Short Version

  • Rent is 64% cheaper in Seattle ($2511/mo vs $4113/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are slightly warmer in New York (28°C vs 24°C).
  • New York is safer by homicide rate (5.8 vs 8.8 per 100k).

New York vs Seattle — Common Questions

Is New York cheaper than Seattle?

Seattle is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $2511/month in Seattle vs $4113/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, New York or Seattle?

New York is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. New York has a rate of 5.80 per 100,000 and Seattle has 8.80 per 100,000.

Should I move to New York or Seattle?

Seattle edges ahead on most metrics. New York isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in New York or Seattle?

New York: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). Seattle: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, New York or Seattle?

New York is warmer in summer (28°C vs 24°C). Seattle has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

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