Moving from Seattle to Albany (2026)
Albany has a COL index of 92 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 39% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$997/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
15092
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,400$1,400
per month
State tax
None6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Albany to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 39% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Albany |
|---|---|
| $40K | $24,533 |
| $50K | $30,667 |
| $60K | $36,800 |
| $75K | $46,000 |
| $80K | $49,067 |
| $100K | $61,333 |
| $120K | $73,600 |
| $150K | $92,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs Albany
| Expense | Seattle | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $410 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $68 |
| Utilities | $120 | $185 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $2,211 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. Albany has a cost of living index of 92 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 39% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to Albany?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to Albany could save roughly $997/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,964/year.
What salary do I need in Albany to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $46,000/year in Albany. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Albany to SeattleSeattle vs Albany — full comparisonSeattle cost of livingAlbany cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only