Cost of Living in Seattle
Overall index: 149.2 — 36 points above Washington average. Washington statewide average: 112.9.
Where your money goes in Seattle
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Seattle
Estimated annual spending: $99,447($24,447 over budget)
What things cost in Seattle
| Item | Seattle | Washington avg | US avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $830,000 | $580,000 | $360,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $2,350/mo | $1,656/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Gas (regular) | $4.85/gal | $4.69/gal | $3.50/gal |
| Electric bill | $90/mo | $90/mo | $137/mo |
| Infant childcare | $24,000/yr | $20,677/yr | $13,500/yr |
Index by category
Seattle vs Washington statewide. National average = 100.
FAQ
What is the 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.
Is Seattle expensive to live in?
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.
How much does rent cost in Seattle?
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.
What salary do I need to live in Seattle?
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.
Where does this data come from?
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.
Related tools
- Washington Cost of Living — Statewide averages and all metro areas
- Washington Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Metro-level data from BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI (2025), and Zillow ZHVI (2024-2025). Where metro data is unavailable, Washington statewide averages are used.