CompensationMay 31, 2019
TableauUberSucks

SEA vs. SF Cost-of-living Comparison

I'm currently in Seattle. I've received verbal offers and am awaiting written offers from multiple SF companies. I found 7 calculators online that output cost-of-living comparisons based on city [example: If you make $x in Seattle, you'll need $x to maintain the same lifestyle in SF]. The average of those calculators suggest 26% greater cost-of-living in SF. What % more should I target to maintain same lifestyle in SF [even though I'll target higher], inclusive of tax differences? Edit #1: Someone asked where I found calculators. NerdWallet, PayScale, Bankrate, SmartAsset, Numbeo, CNN, Salary.com, and there were more...

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Microsoft pxXW78 May 31, 2019

If u want to buy a condo, at least the median price is like 180% in Sf

Tableau UberSucks OP May 31, 2019

Oh yeah, I've been comparing home prices. Yowza. And thanks! Current townhouse in Seattle has grown 63% in value in the last two years [at $930k now], averaged across my lender, the county, Redfin, and Zillow valuations.

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eNBa60 May 31, 2019

The key piece of the puzzle IMO is housing. Do you currently rent? If so, what kind of amenities do you want and how close to the office do you want to be? Try to make an apples to apples comparison and that should help you. I personally like (and currently rent from) Avalon communities. You can compare the Avalon communities in San Fran to Seattle to get a feel of the COL difference.

Tableau UberSucks OP May 31, 2019

Answered above. Currently own townhouse in Seattle that has grown 63% in value in the last two years [at $930k now], averaged across my lender, the county, Redfin, and Zillow valuations. Thanks for the input!

Wayfair jwxs26 May 31, 2019

What are all the calculators you found? That’s a lot of them!

Tableau UberSucks OP May 31, 2019

Will add to post in a bit.

Intel bau. May 31, 2019

Housing cost will be murder. Don't forget State tax (tops out at 12.3 pct). Others expenses are not Amdahl significant

Tableau UberSucks OP May 31, 2019

Yup. Cringing that I'll take this mandatory compensation haircut. Thanks!

F5 Networks bhai-log May 31, 2019

I would take a pay cut to move out of Seattle. Not worth it. Damn depressing as hell.

Tableau UberSucks OP May 31, 2019

I love the rain. Hope you get whatever you want/need in life!

F5 Networks bhai-log May 31, 2019

Best wishes to you too.

Amazon Yuteir May 31, 2019

I like your style and data backed decision making. Will serve you well.

Microsoft idknbd May 31, 2019

Taxes in California are high, so I would say 40% at least