2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Seattle, WA vs Foster City, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Foster City or is it cheaper to live in Seattle?
- Foster City is 58.1% more expensive than Seattle.

Which city has more affordable housing, Foster City or Seattle?
- Foster City housing costs are 111.5% more expensive than Seattle housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Seattle or is Health Care more affordable in Foster City.
- Health related expenses are 33.1% more in Foster City.
 Seattle, WAFoster City, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock250.0100
 Food & Groceries108.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.4100
 Housing291.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,653,900$338,100
 Utilities69  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock148.6100
 Miscellaneous150.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Seattle    321 Reviews

I have lived here since 1975, I moved here from California but was born and raised in Michigan. I would have to say that I never regretted leaving Michigan and their  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I’ve lived in Seattle for just under 7 years and while it can be a stunningly beautiful place, I am very excited to leave. I’ll start with some of the positive aspects.  More

   |    Reply

if you can afford it, Seattle is a very nice place to live and raise a family! however, it is extremely expensive and in the winter, it's rather gloomy. i love gloomy  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Seattle

Reviews for Foster City    4 Reviews

Over 18 years ago

Built on lagoons, great climate, good schools, lots of soccer and other sports for kids, plenty of parking and  More

   |    Reply

Over 19 years ago

A great city to raise a family, safe, great weather around the year, good schools and plenty of recreation. But only if you can afford the hight cost of  More

   |    Reply

Landlords are able to command and receive high rent due to the following attributes: safety, weather and cleanliness of Foster City. The lagoon, waterways and gardens  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Foster City


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.