Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Los Angeles vs Seattle
Move Value
+$19k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
9/10
LA: 8/10 → step-up
10-Year Outlook
+$300k
± $155k confidence band
| Los Angeles | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $162k | $168k |
| State + local income tax | 6.9% | None |
| After-tax income | $110k | $125k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 173 | 152 |
| Median 1BR rent | $2892/mo | $2208/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $64k | $82k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 18 · Thin | 86 · High |
| Walkability (0–10) | 5 | 8 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 9 | 10 |
Who should make this move
Choose Seattle if…
- ·You want $19k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your field's Career Velocity is at least as good in Seattle (9/10).
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $300k ahead.
- ·Coastal-grade tech salaries with zero state income tax.
Stay in Los Angeles if…
- ·You're optimizing for what LA uniquely offers: creative capital with coastal pay and a car-shaped lifestyle.
A note on the numbers: Salaries are role-P50 from BLS-style bands. Tax is statutory state + local at ~$110k single. The 10-year outlook uses a 3-year promotion cadence with a small velocity adjustment, 2.5% COL inflation, and discounts to today's dollars. Full assumptions on the methodology page.