🇺🇸 Seattle vs 🇺🇸 New York

United States vs United States — relocation comparison

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

Seattle vs New York: 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).

Seattle vs New York — Common Questions

Is Seattle cheaper than New York?

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, Seattle or New York?

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

Should I move to Seattle or New York?

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 Seattle or New York?

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

Which has better weather, Seattle or New York?

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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