San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is 40% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,576/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley — saving $7,488/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,456 | $1,044 | $412 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,848 | $1,322 | $526 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,200 | $1,576 | $624 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,832 | $1,978 | $854 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,149 | $2,418 | $731 |
| Median Income | $147,497 | $109,700 | $37,797 |
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
- Studio
- $1,456/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,848/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,200/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,832/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,149/mo
- Median Income
- $147,497/yr
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
- Studio
- $1,044/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,322/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,576/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,978/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,418/mo
- Median Income
- $109,700/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley or Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue cheaper to rent in?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,576/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley. That's $624/mo or $7,488/year more expensive in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (40% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley is $2,200/month. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,576/month.
How do incomes compare between San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The median household income in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley is $147,497/year. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $109,700/year. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley is $1,456/mo. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $1,044/mo.