Side-by-side · Software Engineer
San Francisco vs Seattle
Move Value
+$18k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
9/10
SF: 10/10 → lateral
10-Year Outlook
+$241k
± $140k confidence band
| San Francisco | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $187k | $168k |
| State + local income tax | 7.2% | None |
| After-tax income | $126k | $125k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 195 | 152 |
| Median 1BR rent | $3206/mo | $2208/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $64k | $82k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 81 · High | 86 · High |
| Walkability (0–10) | 9 | 8 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 9 | 10 |
Who should make this move
Choose Seattle if…
- ·You want $18k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $241k ahead.
- ·Coastal-grade tech salaries with zero state income tax.
Stay in San Francisco if…
- ·Career Velocity is higher in SF (10/10 vs 9/10) for your field.
- ·You're optimizing for what SF uniquely offers: highest tech salaries in the country — if you can stomach the cost.
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.