Cost of Living in Seattle

Seattle has an overall cost-of-living index of 149.2 (national average = 100). This is higher than the Washington statewide average of 112.9. Median home prices are $830,000 and average 2BR rent is $2,350/month.

Yes, Seattle is more expensive than the national average with an index of 149.2. Housing is the biggest factor at 210% of the national average.

Average 2-bedroom rent in Seattle is $2,350/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the Washington statewide average of $1,656/month.

Groceries in Seattle have an index of 112 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $459 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $5.54.

Center-based infant childcare in Seattle averages $24,000/year ($2,000/month). This is significantly higher than the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

Seattle's housing index is 210 vs the Washington statewide average of 118.3. Median home prices are $830,000 in Seattle vs $580,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $2,350/month vs $1,656/month statewide.

Seattle's transportation cost index is 132 (national average = 100). Regular gas averages $4.85/gallon. Transportation costs are significantly above the national average — factor in gas, insurance, and maintenance.

Seattle's utility cost index is 98.8 (national average = 100). The estimated average monthly electric bill is $90, compared to the national average of $137/month and the Washington statewide average of $90/month. Utility rates are based on EIA 2024 residential electricity data.

A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $111,900 in Seattle. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.

Based on Seattle's cost-of-living index of 149.2, a single adult needs approximately $74,600–$84,600/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by Seattle's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.