📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Everett and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Everett vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Everett | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $74,276 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $564,990 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $362 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,864 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 151.5 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.65 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 32.2% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
New York vs. Everett: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Welcome to the ultimate urban cage match. In one corner, we have the Concrete Jungle, the city that never sleeps, the global powerhouse known simply as New York. In the other corner, a scrappy underdog from the Pacific Northwest, Everett, Washington—a city fighting for its own identity in the shadow of Seattle. This isn't just about geography; it's about lifestyle, wallet, and what you want out of life. Buckle up.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Port Town
Let's cut to the chase. These two cities are worlds apart.
New York (NYC) is the ultimate adrenaline shot. It's a 24/7 metropolis where ambition is the currency and silence is a luxury. The culture is a pressure cooker of art, finance, fashion, and food, all served with a side of honking taxis and crowded sidewalks. It’s for the hustlers, the dreamers, and those who thrive on chaos and opportunity. You’re not just living in a city; you’re living in the city. The energy is palpable, the options are endless, and the cost of that lifestyle is... well, we'll get there.
Everett is a different beast entirely. Nestled on the Puget Sound, it’s a working-class port city with a gritty, maritime soul. Think less "Sex and the City" and more "working waterfront with a killer view of the mountains." It’s a city in transition, trying to shed its industrial past for a tech-infused future. The vibe is decidedly more laid-back, community-oriented, and outdoorsy. It’s for those who want city amenities without the NYC intensity, and who value quick access to hiking, skiing, and kayaking over world-class Broadway shows.
Who is each city for?
- New York is for the career-driven, the culturally voracious, and those who believe the city is the main character of their life.
- Everett is for the pragmatist, the outdoor enthusiast, and the person who wants a solid home base with a strong sense of local community.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk cold, hard cash.
Cost of Living Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the essential monthly expenses. The numbers tell a stark story.
| Expense Category | New York | Everett | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $1,864 | NY is ~31% more expensive |
| Utilities | ~$170 | ~$150 | Similar (NY slightly higher) |
| Groceries | ~25% above U.S. avg | ~15% above U.S. avg | NY is ~10% more expensive |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 151.5 | Everett is slightly more expensive |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's say you earn the median income in each city: $76,577 in New York and $74,276 in Everett. On the surface, they look close. But your purchasing power is a different game.
In New York, that $76.6k feels like a fraction of what it needs to be. After federal, state, and city taxes (NY has a progressive income tax, and NYC adds its own levy), your take-home pay is significantly reduced. A $2,451 rent on a single income is a brutal 38% of your gross monthly pay—well above the recommended 30% threshold. You're in the red before you buy a MetroCard.
In Everett, that $74.3k goes much further. Washington State has NO state income tax, a massive advantage. That means your take-home pay is higher, immediately. Your $1,864 rent is about 30% of your gross monthly pay—right at the healthy limit. You have breathing room for savings, travel, or that weekend trip to the mountains.
The Verdict on Wallet: If you earn the same salary, Everett wins hands-down on purchasing power. The lack of state income tax and lower housing costs mean your money simply buys you a better quality of life. The "sticker shock" of NYC is real and relentless.
The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying
The Rental Game
New York is a landlord's paradise. The rental market is ferocious. High demand, limited space, and broker fees (often 15% of annual rent) make finding an apartment a competitive sport. It's a strong seller's/landlord's market where you need a stellar application and a thick wallet.
Everett offers more breathing room. The rental market is competitive but not cutthroat. You'll find more options, from modern complexes to single-family homes for rent. It's a moderately competitive market, leaning in the tenant's favor compared to NYC.
The Buying Game
New York real estate is a different universe. A median home price of $875,000 is just the starting line. Co-ops, condos, and maintenance fees add layers of complexity and cost. It's a seller's market with high barriers to entry, requiring massive down payments and navigating bidding wars.
Everett presents a more accessible, albeit volatile, market. The median home price of $564,990 is 35% lower than NYC's. However, the Housing Index (151.5) is actually slightly higher than NYC's (149.3), indicating that, relative to national averages, Everett's housing is in a bubble. It's a crazy seller's market driven by the Seattle tech spillover, with low inventory and fierce competition. You get more square footage for your money, but you'll likely face bidding wars.
The Verdict on Housing: For renters, Everett is the clear winner for affordability and space. For buyers, it's a toss-up: New York offers stability at a stratospheric price, while Everett offers relative affordability in a hyper-competitive market.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
New York is a car-free zone for most. The subway is king—cheap, extensive, and generally reliable, though crowded. Commute times can be long (30-60 minutes is common), but you can read, work, or zone out. Car ownership is a financial and logistical nightmare.
Everett is a car-centric city. Public transit exists (buses, the Sounder train to Seattle), but it's not as comprehensive. You'll likely drive to work, grocery stores, and trails. Traffic on I-5 can be congested, but it's a different scale than NYC. The average commute is around 30 minutes.
Weather & Climate
New York has four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (90°F+), crisp autumns, snowy winters (20-30 inches of snow), and rainy springs. It’s a true rollercoaster that demands a robust wardrobe.
Everett has a marine west coast climate. Think mild, damp, and cloudy. Summers are perfect (70-80°F, low humidity), but winters are long, dark, and rainy. Snow is rare but possible. The "drizzle" is a real thing, and the lack of sunshine from October to April can be a mental challenge.
Crime & Safety
Let's be direct. The data is concerning for both, but in different ways.
New York's violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100k people. While NYC feels dense and intense, its crime rate is actually lower than many other major U.S. cities. Safety is highly neighborhood-dependent. Areas like the Upper East Side are exceptionally safe, while others require more street smarts.
Everett's violent crime rate is 567.0 per 100k people—55% higher than New York's. This is a significant red flag. Everett struggles with issues related to its location on major drug trafficking routes and socioeconomic disparities. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a more pervasive concern city-wide.
The Verdict on Quality of Life: This is a trade-off. New York wins on transportation and cultural amenities but demands weather tolerance. Everett offers better weather for outdoor activities but has a serious crime problem and car dependency.
The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?
After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the wallets, here’s the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: Everett
Why? More affordable housing (for a house), better access to nature (parks, hiking), and a stronger sense of community. The higher crime rate is a concern, but the trade-off for space and a backyard is often worth it for families. NYC's cramped apartments and high costs are brutal for raising kids.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: New York
Why? The career opportunities, networking, and social scene are unparalleled. The energy and anonymity of NYC are perfect for launching a career and building a social life. The higher cost is the price of admission for the ultimate urban experience.
Winner for Retirees: Everett
Why? Lower cost of living, no state income tax on pensions, milder summers (no brutal humidity), and easy access to low-impact outdoor activities. The higher crime rate is a consideration, but many retirees choose quieter suburbs. NYC's intensity and high costs are generally less appealing for a fixed-income retirement.
Final Pros & Cons
New York: The Concrete Jungle
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities and global networking.
- World-class culture, dining, and entertainment at your doorstep.
- Excellent public transportation system (no car needed).
- Diverse, vibrant neighborhoods with distinct personalities.
- A 24/7 energy that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Cons:
- Extremely high cost of living—rent, taxes, and daily expenses are brutal.
- Sticker shock is a constant reality.
- Crowded, noisy, and fast-paced (not for the faint of heart).
- Winters can be harsh and summers oppressively humid.
- Housing is tiny, competitive, and complex.
Everett: The Gritty Underdog
Pros:
- Significantly more affordable housing and cost of living.
- No state income tax (big paycheck boost).
- Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation (mountains, water, forests).
- Milder, drier summers than NYC.
- Strong local community feel with a "real city" identity.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate compared to national and NYC averages.
- Car dependency for most daily tasks.
- Long, dark, and rainy winter season.
- Fewer high-profile cultural and career opportunities.
- Can feel isolated from the major tech/finance hubs of Seattle/Bellevue.
The Bottom Line: There is no right answer, only the right answer for you. If you crave the pinnacle of urban life and your career can support it, New York is the world's playground. If you want a more grounded life, fantastic outdoor access, and your money to stretch much further, Everett is a compelling, if imperfect, choice. Choose wisely.