City Comparison
Pasco vs Seattle
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pasco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pasco
Seattle
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pasco is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
30% lower than in Seattle.
Housing costs are a major driver: Pasco's average rent is
36% lower than Seattle's.
| Metric | Pasco | Seattle | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $2,250 | -36% |
| Groceries | $420 | $520 | -19% |
| Utilities | $175 | $210 | -17% |
| Transport | $110 | $140 | -21% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $290 | -17% |
| Monthly Total | $2,395 | $3,410 | -30% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 152 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Seattle offers 34% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Pasco delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Pasco is estimated at
$52,000 vs $82,000 in Seattle.
| Metric | Pasco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,500 | $98,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $82,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,188 idx | 64,474 idx |
| Household Income | $74,210 | $115,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 3.5°F of each other.
For sunshine, Pasco comes out ahead with 56 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Seattle sees 2.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Pasco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.90°F | 54.40°F |
| Summer High | 91.70°F | 76.10°F |
| Winter Low | 32.30°F | 38.10°F |
| Rainfall | 11.90 in | 40.80 in |
| Snowfall | 6.60 in | 8.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | 238 |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Pasco has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Seattle.
Seattle scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Seattle leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Pasco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 73.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 62.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Seattle is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Pasco.
From a growth perspective, Pasco is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Seattle has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Pasco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,493 | 783,155 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 30.5 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Pasco
Advantages
Abundant sunshine with approximately 294 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
More affordable housing market and overall cost of living compared to coastal Washington cities like Seattle.
Strategic regional location along the Columbia River with robust transportation links via the Tri-Cities Airport and major highways.
Rich cultural diversity highlighted by community festivals, local markets, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Steady economic growth driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and strong regional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Hot and dry summer climate with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F.
Limited public transit walkability outside of specific downtown and newly developed commercial zones.
Housing inventory constraints and rising home prices driven by rapid regional population growth.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Breezy conditions and occasional high winds typical of the Columbia Basin region.
Seattle
Advantages
Thriving job market anchored by global tech, aerospace, and biotech leaders
Unmatched access to outdoor recreation including mountains, forests, and marine waters
High median household income well above the national average
Vibrant culinary, coffee, and craft beverage culture
Progressive, highly educated, and culturally active community
Drawbacks
Significantly higher cost of living and housing expenses compared to the U.S. average
Frequent overcast skies and high annual rainfall during the winter months
Persistent traffic congestion during peak commuting hours
Urban property crime and public safety challenges in specific downtown sectors
High barrier to entry for prospective first-time home buyers
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Pasco
#160Washington, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,500
Cost Index
96
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
57.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
74
Business
70
Seattle
#513Washington, USA
51.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,250
Avg Salary
$98,000
Cost Index
152
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
70.0/100
Walkability
73.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
54.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
84
Business
85
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