What is the best way to calculate cost of living in a new town? Seattle

Which Seattle company? Your YOE and Tc?

Same problem. I'm also moving to Seattle. There's a few different websites but I don't think any of them are good

Numbeo has some good information about cost of living

You can’t maintain your upstate NY lifestyle here in Seattle. Period.

In terms of Seattle cost of living, we're really just talking rent. A top end 1 bedroom apartment is $2,500. A mid-tier apartment is in the $1,750-$2,200 range. All other costs such as gas, food, utilities will run roughly the same. The plus is Seattle doesn't have a state income tax, so factor that into your comp.

160k eh? Betting its an Amazon offer. All assumptions aside housing wise Juul is right. Public transport wise you will see a sharp increase on transportation here. Parking costs money. Busses are quick but inconvenient. Links are effective however not everywhere. Sounders are the fastest of all but in even fewer spots. All of which begs the question if you dont do major groccery hauls, hike, and or like road trips. There just might not be a need for purchasing your own car.

Plug your info into SmartAsset's Salary Calculator.(withholding, HSA, 401k %, etc.) Search for apartments in your desired city with similar amenities, size, commute, etc. Subtract that rent from your net income. Decide if the leftover net income is enough for savings, fun, etc. The problem with COL converters is they assume that 1. You spend every penny you make into a predefined category, and 2. You're trying to buy a house. Personal finance is personal for these reasons.

Seattle is expensive. Housing, daycare, restaurants... No income tax is good, but in many ways, even San Diego is less expensive.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator