Cost of living in Seattle, Washington
King County, WA
Part of the Seattle Metro Area
Population 2,262,713 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Seattle
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Seattle
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Seattle
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Seattle
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Seattle
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Seattle
State and local tax rates for Washington.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Seattle
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Seattle
What it costs to live in Seattle each month.
- Rent $2,293
- Energy $157
- Water $60
- Groceries $369
- Transport $250
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $979
- State tax $0
- Rent $2,671
- Energy $188
- Water $70
- Groceries $611
- Transport $350
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $1,670
- State tax $0
- Rent $3,521
- Energy $236
- Water $85
- Groceries $928
- Transport $450
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $1,670
- State tax $0
Frequently asked questions about Seattle
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Seattle?
In Seattle, Washington, a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,293 per month, a two-bedroom averages $2,671 per month, a three-bedroom averages $3,521 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Seattle?
In Seattle, Washington, the average household income is $122,148 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $67,141 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Seattle?
The estimated cost of living in Seattle, Washington is approximately $4,588 per month for a single person, $6,424 for a couple, $9,440 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Seattle?
The combined sales tax rate in Seattle, Washington is 10.23%, which includes the Washington state rate of 6.50% plus an average local rate of 3.73%.
Is Seattle an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Seattle, Washington would need approximately $4,588 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $122,148 per year ($10,179 per month). Seattle is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Seattle?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Seattle, Washington is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Seattle?
The average home value in Seattle, Washington is $811,200, with average annual property taxes of $6,785, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Seattle compare to other areas?
You can compare Seattle, Washington with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Seattle is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area.
Other counties in Washington
Browse the full list of counties in Washington, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in WashingtonCompare Seattle with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP