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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Seattle, WA vs San Rafael, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Rafael or is it cheaper to live in Seattle?
- San Rafael is 45.5% more expensive than Seattle.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Rafael or Seattle?
- San Rafael housing costs are 52.6% more expensive than Seattle housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Seattle or is Health Care more affordable in San Rafael.
- Health related expenses are 24.8% more in San Rafael.
 Seattle, WASan Rafael, CAUnited States
 Overall158.1230.1100
 Food & Groceries108.7113.5100
 Health88.2110.1100
 Housing291.9445.3100
 Median Home Cost$823,900$1,209,300$338,100
 Utilities6,880.0%9,730.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation137.5118.7100
 Miscellaneous150.7164.1100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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

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Over 2 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

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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

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Reviews for San Rafael    7 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

San Rafael is only 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco, but the weather is completely different. It's sunny most of the year, including in the summer when the city  More

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Over 14 years ago

I feal very safe in this town. I think getting stopped for talking on your cell phone while driving is a big deal here. Thats about all I can  More

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Over 16 years ago

Cost of living too high. Unfriendly  More

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ZIPS IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
98115, 98103, 98133, 98105, 98118, 98125, 98122, 98117, 98144, 98109, 28 total
ZIPS IN SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
94901 94903 94964

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