Quick answer
The average 1-bedroom rent in Seattle is $2,100/month and the median home price is $780K. Monthly utilities average $130 and groceries run about $430/month per person.
City Guide · WA
Cost of Living in Seattle, WA (2026)
Seattle is a tech-industry powerhouse — home to Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing — with stunning natural scenery including Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascades. The city has no state income tax, excellent public transit for a West Coast city, and a thriving coffee and restaurant scene. Rain is frequent but rarely extreme.
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Seattle Cost of Living at a Glance
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,100
avg/month
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,750
avg/month
Median Home Price
$780K
as of 2025
Avg Utilities
$130
per month
Avg Groceries
$430
per person/month
Walk Score
74/100
Transit: 59/100
Compared to US national average
1BR rent: +40% vs. national avg ($1,500)
Home price: +86% vs. national avg ($420K)
Best Neighborhoods in Seattle
Capitol Hill
Nightlife, LGBTQ+ community, dense and walkable
Fremont
Quirky public art, Sunday market, craft breweries
Ballard
Scandinavian roots, fishing village charm, hip restaurants
Queen Anne
Views of the city and Sound, quieter residential feel
South Lake Union
Amazon headquarters area, new high-rises, tech-heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is it to live in Seattle?
Seattle is one of the more expensive US cities. 1BR rents average $2,100/month and median home prices approach $780K. However, no state income tax makes the after-tax salary comparison favorable for high earners.
Is Seattle good for families?
Yes, neighborhoods like Ballard, Queen Anne, and the Eastside suburbs (Bellevue, Kirkland) offer excellent schools and family amenities, though housing costs are high.
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