There are many reasons to visit Seattle, including its iconic tourist attractions, natural beauty, surrounding mountains, and much more. But if you are done with them but still want to feel the city’s vibes, you must visit the 19 best places like Seattle but cheaper.
These alternative towns and cities to Seattle offer equal energy and vibrancy (but not precisely, of course).
Also, what would happen if Seattle got a nuclear attack? Where would you move to? Just kidding :p I just want to share the post with you.
19 Places Like Seattle to Visit and Move to.
These are factors that make these cities the best alternatives to Seattle:
- Rich diversity and community.
- Mild climate with cool summers and wet winters.
- Strong coffee culture, a vibrant arts scene, and a diverse population.
- Economic centers with a strong focus on technology and innovation.
- Variety of amenities, including good restaurants, shops, and parks.
- Most cities are located on the West Coast, which gives them easy access to nature and outdoor activities.
But NOT all the alternative cities mentioned here will be cheaper than Seattle. You may disagree with the list because Seattle has its unique things. The biggest dealbreakers are mountains and lush greenery.
1/ Portland, Oregon
Portland is a bit like Seattle’s younger “Sister City.” They live on the West Coast and are close to the same big ocean.
Both cities are located on the West Coast, have a similar climate, and are known for their coffee culture, microbreweries, and outdoor activities.
There are many similarities between Portland and Seattle. And that’s why it comes first when thinking about cities similar to Seattle.
People in both cities love drinking coffee, making tasty beer in small places, and having fun outside, like hiking and biking. They also really enjoy art and care about the environment. And they offer delicious food, just like in Seattle.
Let’s talk about a few differences as well. For example, Portland is much smaller than Seattle, but they’re both pretty cool.
Seattle is closer to tall mountains (although it takes longer to get there because of traffic. ), while Portland has an incredible mountain called Mt. Hood.
Seattle has something called the Puget Sound, which is like a big lake, while Portland has rivers for water fun.
2/ San Francisco
San Francisco is like a giant version of Seattle. They’re both into tech stuff and have many places to enjoy coffee. Even though they’re different, both cities love new ideas and have fantastic water views.
Living in San Francisco is more expensive, but there are many exciting things to do and see there. Seattle and San Francisco care about technology and being open to different people.
San Francisco is like Seattle’s bustling cousin by the ocean!
3/ Vancouver
Vancouver is like Seattle’s neighbor to the north, just a bit up the road. Big mountains and water surround them, and the weather in both places is not too hot or cold. And that makes it one of the best places like Seattle.
Vancouver is known for having folks from all around the world, and the water gets it some beautiful spots.
But Vancouver can be pricier than Seattle. It’s not far from Seattle, just a few hours’ drive. If you’re a fan of Seattle, you might also enjoy Vancouver, which is like its friendly neighbor up north!
4/ Austin
Austin is often called the Seattle of the South. Both cities have something in common – they’re music-loving places with many cool bands and live music.
People in both Austin and Seattle enjoy making craft beer, and they’re super into technology and computers.
One thing that sets Austin apart is its warm and sunny weather. While Seattle often has rain, Austin is all about sunshine. So, if you like the Seattle vibe but want more warmth, Austin could be your place!
5/ Tacoma
Tacoma used to be known as the “City of Destiny.” It’s like Seattle, with a lot of cool stuff. It’s one of the best places to move to from Seattle.
Both cities have beautiful parks, exciting museums, and friendly neighborhoods with local shops.
Tacoma is also close to the sea, just like Seattle. And that’s why it’s one of the nearest places like Seattle.
But Tacoma is different in some fantastic ways. It’s more affordable, which means you can buy a house without spending a fortune.
Tacoma doesn’t have some of the big problems that Seattle has, like really high costs and too many big companies like Amazon. It’s also diverse and has a nice downtown.
Plus, if you don’t like driving on the highway, you can take a train to see the Seahawks or Mariners play.
6/ Boston
Boston is one of the best East Coast cities that mirror Seattle, especially if you like the mix of old history and new ideas that Seattle offers.
Boston has a lot of old buildings and a rich history, like the American Revolution.
While Seattle is on the West Coast, Boston is on the East Coast, so they’re pretty far apart. But both cities are hubs for learning, technology, and culture.
7/ Bellingham
Bellingham is one of the best towns like Seattle to move to. It’s near beautiful places like Mount Baker, Puget Sound, and the Skagit and Nooksack valleys, just like Seattle.
Many people from Seattle have moved to Bellingham to find an escape from speedy city life.
Bellingham is a college town with many students and young people. It’s a mix of city and countryside, which Seattleites like.
Plus, Bellingham has a friendly vibe, and it’s near Canada, which has universal health care and other lovely things. If you’re looking for a place like Seattle but with its style, Bellingham might be it!
8/ Denver
Denver is one of the top cities like Seattle in many cool ways. Both cities enjoy being outdoors, making tasty craft beers, and having a relaxed vibe.
Denver has a different climate, but it’s still a fun place. It’s called the Mile-High City because it’s high in the mountains.
Denver is more spread out, so it’s not as crowded as Seattle. Plus, it’s more affordable to live there. Denver is a favorite spot for young professionals and people who love outdoor adventures.
9/ Boulder
Boulder is a smaller city near Denver but a bit like Seattle. They both care a lot about nature and being eco-friendly. Boulder is also home to a big university, which makes it feel young and lively.
Boulder is more expensive than Seattle, but many people think it’s a fantastic place to live. Just like Seattle, Boulder is all about outdoor living. It’s in the Rocky Mountains and has a healthy, environmentally friendly community.
11/ Everett
Everett is a city near Seattle, and they share some similarities. Both places have been around for a while and have some history. And that’s why it’s one of the best places like Seattle to move around and enjoy.
But Everett is a bit different. It used to want to be like Pittsburgh in the West, but it didn’t quite get there. Traffic around it can be bad.
12/ Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a city that’s often compared to Seattle because they both love learning and culture. It’s home to the University of Michigan, just like how Seattle has its universities. Both cities have a lot of art and music going on.
But Ann Arbor is in Michigan, which is far from Seattle. The weather is different too, with snowy winters. So, the education and arts culture are the only reasons I enlisted Ann Arbor among the top alternatives to Seattle.
13/ Madison
Madison is a bit like Seattle because both cities care a lot about the environment and having a good life. It’s one of the best places to live instead of Seattle’s education and research scene.
14/ Oakland
Oakland is in sunny California, so the weather is much warmer than in Seattle. It’s also close to San Francisco. It has its own unique culture and is more affordable than San Francisco.
So, if you like the idea of the West Coast but want something different from Seattle, Oakland might be your pick! And it’s one of the best places with weather like Seattle to move to.
15/ Olympia
Olympia is the capital of Washington, just like Seattle. They’re both in the same state and have a few things in common.
But Olympia is smaller and quieter than Seattle. It’s where the state government works and has a different vibe.
Like Seattle, Olympia is also near the water and has a nice downtown area. So, choose Olympia if you would have loved a cozier Seattle.
16/ Port Townsend
Port Townsend is where many folks who used to live in Seattle choose to retire. It’s not similar but has a unique vibe, like the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, but with a hippie spirit.
People love it for being beautiful and easy to live in.
But Port Townsend is different from Seattle. It’s home to festivals celebrating words, music, and wooden boats, which is super cool.
The folks there are often liberal, like in Seattle, and it’s a mecca for older Seattleites looking for a more relaxed life.
Just down the road in Clallam County, you’ll find Sequim, known for lavender fields and attracting urban retirees with a more conservative taste.
So, if you’re looking for a retirement spot with some of Seattle’s charm, Port Townsend might be your choice!
17/ Burien
Burien is a place that’s seen some hipness come and go. Hipsters tend to move around a lot, and Burien had its turn as a hipster haven.
Burien is one of the best places to move to instead of Seattle. It’s close to Seattle and more affordable, which makes it attractive to folks looking for a cool place to live.
18/ Wenatchee
Wenatchee is a place that attracts Seattleites looking for affordability and lots of sunshine. It’s on the state’s eastern side and offers a different kind of beauty, with fresh fruit and wineries.
You can even enjoy the Columbia River and a fun public market. One of the great things about Wenatchee is that it’s mostly sunny. You can also go skiing or visit a place called Leavenworth if you want some European-style fun.
19/ Bremerton
Bremerton is a simple, no-frills town known for its Navy base and shipyards. It’s got cheaper housing compared to Seattle and has its own kind of charm.
If you take the ferry across Puget Sound, you’ll see a mix of folks – some architects, some shipyard workers, and even some sailors.
The faster passenger-only ferry makes it easier to get to Seattle for work. Bremerton appeals to those who feel more comfortable with a lunch bucket.
FAQs for Cities Like Seattle But Cheaper
Let me answer a few questions about alternatives to Seattle to visit and move to.
What city is the most similar to Seattle?
Considering population, land area, and other factors, Portland is similar to Seattle. They’re part of the Pacific Northwest and offer a blend of urban and natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Other alternatives to Seattle include:
- Vancouver
- San Francisco
- Portland
- Nashville
- Chicago
- Denver
- Ann Arbor
- Madison
- Oakland
- Olympia
- San Diego
- Mexico City
- Austin
What cities have a similar climate to Seattle?
Seattle is in the Pacific Northwestern temperate rainforest. Major cities with climates similar to Seattle, in temperate rainforests, include Tokyo, Auckland, Busan, Vancouver, Portland, Bilbao, and Vladivostok.
Other similar climates in southern England are coastal France, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Osorno, Chile. These cities share Seattle’s temperate rainforest climate.
What European cities are most similar to Seattle?
If you’re looking for European cities like Seattle, consider Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Denmark, with its coastal setting, tech industry, and vibrant culture.
With its sea, mountains, and rainy climate, Oslo also fits the bill. Berlin, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Bergen offer similar vibes but no authentic replica, of course!
What city is similar to Seattle, with mountains and scenery but a lesser living cost?
Cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, and Provo offer mountainous scenery with a lower cost of living than Seattle. Also, Portland, Vancouver, Boulder, and Asheville are also great options.
Northern Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana are stunning but have smaller cities.
For a West Coast vibe, consider smaller towns near Seattle. New Haven, CT, resembles Puget Sound and is close to major cities.
With no state sales tax, Portland, Oregon, offers a lower cost of living, or live in Vancouver, Washington, for tax advantages while enjoying Oregon’s amenities.
Is Seattle a great place to settle?
Seattle is an excellent place for some, but not for everyone. It has a strong economy, natural beauty, diverse culture, mild climate, good city infrastructure, and whatnot!
But then it’s pricey, with a high median income. It has frequent cloud cover, heavy traffic, and expensive housing. Also, its introverted culture, known as the “Seattle Freeze,” can challenge newcomers from more extroverted areas.
Is Seattle similar to LA?
Seattle and LA differ significantly. Seattle is a smaller, tech-focused city with a coffee culture and mild, rainy climate. LA is a diverse entertainment hub with a sunny, warm climate and famous beaches. But both cities share a vibrant cultural scene.
How similar are Vancouver and Seattle?
Vancouver and Seattle are coastal cities with a temperate climate and a strong coffee culture. They are both known for their natural beauty, with mountains and water nearby. And they both have a thriving tech industry.
However, there are also some critical differences between the two cities. Vancouver is more expensive than Seattle and has a more European feel. Seattle is more laid-back, and it has a more pronounced grunge culture.
