Cost of Living in Seattle, WA [2025]

The overall cost of living in Seattle is 58.1% higher than the national average, according to Sperling’s Best Places, with housing costs leading the way. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,463 per month, and home prices are more than double the U.S. median. Between steep housing costs and a 10.1% sales tax, living comfortably in Seattle requires careful budgeting—even for high earners.

The good news is the city is still less expensive than San Francisco or New York City—for now. To help you figure out whether moving to Seattle is the right choice for you and your finances, we put together a guide outlining the cost of living in Seattle with the latest data from July, 2025.

Cost of Living in Seattle

What Is the Cost of Living in Seattle?

Seattle is a popular but expensive place to live. The average cost of living in Seattle is 58.1% higher than the national average. According to MIT's Living Wage calculator, 2 adults with 2 children would need to earn $51 to live in Seattle.

Source: Best Places

Be sure to remember that these figures provide an average across the state and that the cost of living in Seattle can vary drastically.

What Is the Average Rent in Seattle, WA

As of July 2025, the median rent in Seattle is $1,973 for a one-bedroom and $2,463 for a two-bedroom apartment, based on our current rental data. Although Seattle remains one of the most expensive rental markets in the country, a recent shift in supply has helped moderate price increases—giving renters more leverage, especially in neighborhoods outside the city center.

Where Is the Most Expensive Place to Live in Seattle?

If you’re hunting for a rental in Seattle’s priciest neighborhoods, Downtown Seattle easily tops the list. A two-bedroom apartment here can run around $3,640 per month, especially in buildings packed with modern amenities and prime views of Puget Sound or the skyline.

Where Is the Most Affordable Place to Live in Seattle?

Although inexpensive rentals in Seattle are challenging to find, Beacon Hill is among the cheapest neighborhood. Rents for a two-bedroom apartment run an about $2,600. Of course, safety is paramount when it comes to anywhere you choose to live. Make sure you look over our safest neighborhoods to live in Austin.

What Is the Average Rent in Seattle, WA?

According to the latest Rent Report on Seattle, the median rent index overall in Seattle is $2,115 after rising 1.3% last month and are up 2.7% year-over-year.

Seattle’s rent growth is outpacing both state and national trends. Rents have increased 5.4% since January 2025, compared to 4.6% during the same period in 2024. By contrast, national rent growth has been -0.7% year-over-year, and Washington state overall has seen just a 1.0% increase. In fact, Seattle ranked #7 among the 100 largest U.S. cities for monthly rent growth in June 2025, tying with San Jose, CA and Boise, ID.

It now ranks as the 15th most expensive large city in the country for renters. Compared to the broader metro area—where the median rent is $2,027—Seattle’s prices are 4.3% higher, reflecting the city’s popularity, central location, and higher demand for urban living.

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Seattle?

Seattle renters pay a median of $1,973 for a one-bedroom apartment, according to Apartment List’s July 2025 Rent Report. That’s about 2.7% higher than the national median, and $439 more than Tacoma. Prices are highest in neighborhoods like South Lake Union and Capitol Hill, where newer buildings and high demand keep rents above average.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Seattle?

The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Seattle is $2,463, and reflects Seattle’s status as one of the priciest rental markets in the Pacific Northwest. Renters looking for more value may find better deals in neighborhoods like Rainier Valley or Northgate.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Seattle?

As a growing tech hub, Seattle residents enjoy a steady increase in wages to make up for rising rents. To comfortably rent a median one-bedroom apartment in Seattle, one would have to make $78,920 per year or around $6,577 a month.

The “living wage,” or the minimum amount of money needed to live above the poverty threshold, in Seattle is $29.44 per hour for a full-time employed individual. The living wage doesn’t include expenses for restaurants, entertainment, and vacations. Additionally, it doesn’t allow for savings or investment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated median household income in Seattle at the end of 2024 was approximately $105,391.

Keep in mind that Seattle’s affluence is growing alongside its population. The number of Seattle families earning over $200,000 is actually greater than the number making less than $50,000. These numbers shouldn't scare you away from moving to Seattle, but it probably means you’ll need to broaden your search among the best neighborhoods in Seattle and not settle on a single, dream neighborhood. You can still find Seattle Apartment options within your budget if you widen your search and consider having roommates.

How Much Is Housing in Seattle, WA?

The Seattle housing has seen rapid growth over the last few years, with median home prices currently at $823,900, which you can compare to the Washington state average of $534,700 and the national average of $338,100.

How Much Is Transportation in Seattle, WA?

According to MIT Living Wage calculations, a single adult living in the Emerald City should expect to spend $9,502 on transportation annually. If you are a family of four with two full-time employed adults and two children, you will pay $15,938 a year to get around town.

The good news is you don’t need a car to get around Seattle. The city offers a reliable and continuously expanding system of public transportation. In fact, there are two public transit agencies serving the city of Seattle - King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit. One-way adult fares for LINK Light Rail range from $2.25 to $4.50, depending on the distance you travel and the neighborhood you start from.

How Much Are Groceries in Seattle?

According to the MIT estimates, a single, full-time employed adult that cooks their own meals (including snacks) spends approximately $4,975 per year on food. For a family of four, that goes up to $14,583 per year. If you're dining out, expect to pay an average of $20 on a meal at an inexpensive restaurant sans appetizers and alcohol. Having dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant will cost you $75 on average. For reference, dining out in San Francisco costs about 15% less.

Keep in mind that Seattle is a dream city for foodies. So if you are moving there, we strongly recommend you set aside a little bit of budget to explore the culinary scene.

How Much Is Healthcare in Seattle, WA?

According to the MIT estimates, based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the typical cost of medical services for a single, full-time employed adult in Seattle is approximately $2,689 per year. For a family of two full-time working adults and a child, that number increases up to $10,638 per year.

How Much Are Utilities in Seattle?

Don’t forget to factor in utilities as part of your cost of living in Seattle. According to Numbeo, the average basic utility bill for a 915 square ft apartment in Seattle is $273.91 a month. The estimated cost includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. If you want Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), and a basic phone plan, add another $129.54 per month for a total of $403.45 per month.

Seattle Fitness and Entertainment

If you live in Seattle, nature is your gym. You can keep your cost of living in Seattle down by enjoying all the outdoor and recreational activities the city has to offer. However, if your workouts require equipment or you prefer the structure of group classes, plan to pay $82.52 in monthly membership fees. To compare, a gym membership in San Francisco will usually cost you around $102.91 per month.

If you are looking into saving money and have some extra space in your apartment, try setting up a small home gym.

How Much Are Taxes in Seattle, WA?

Newcomers often forget to factor in the 10.1% sales tax to their cost of living in Seattle. It's one of the highest in the country and can tack on an added expense to everything you buy. The good news is that Washington does not have personal income tax, which could balance out your expenses. Your grocery and clothing bills may be higher, but you’ll keep more in your pocket.

Find Your Next Apartment in Seattle

Now that you’re armed with information about the cost of living in Seattle, you can start your apartment hunt in the Emerald City. Start your Seattle apartment search today with our quiz!

If Seattle is a little too pricey for you, check out the cities nearby Seattle and the cheapest cities in Washington.

FAQ: Cost of Living in Seattle in 2025

How expensive is an apartment in Seattle?

A one-bedroom apartment in Seattle costs $1,973. A two-bedroom apartment in Seattle costs most renters around $2,463.

How expensive is it to live in Seattle?

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., with the average one-bedroom apartment renting for $1,973 per month. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult spends roughly $4,975 per year on food, $9,502 on transportation, and $2,689 on healthcare. These costs, combined with high housing prices and a 10.1% sales tax, make Seattle a challenging but manageable place to live with the right budget.

How far is Portland from Seattle?

Seattle is 174 miles away from Portland. It takes 2 hours and 54 minutes to get to Portland from Seattle by car, 17 hours by bike, and 61 hours by foot.

How far is Tacoma from Seattle?

Seattle is 34 miles away from Tacoma. It takes 37 minutes to get to Tacoma from Seattle by car, 4 hours by bike, and 11 hours by foot.

How far is Kennewick from Seattle?

Seattle is 225 miles away from Kennewick. It takes 3 hours and 29 minutes to get to Kennewick from Seattle by car, 21 hours by bike, and 72 hours by foot.

How far is Longview from Seattle?

Seattle is 128 miles away from Longview. It takes 2 hours and 9 minutes to get to Longview from Seattle by car, 12 hours by bike, and 43 hours by foot.

How far is Seattle from Spokane?

Seattle is 279 miles away from Spokane. It takes 4 hours and 16 minutes to get to Spokane from Seattle by car, 32 hours by bike, and 103 hours by foot.

How far is Vancouver from Seattle?

Seattle is 143 miles away from Vancouver. It takes 2 hours and 36 minutes to get to Vancouver from Seattle by car, 15 hours by bike, and 54 hours by foot.

What is the population of Seattle?

The population of Seattle is 816,600, according to the Office of Financial Management (OFM). It is the most populated city in the state of Washington and in the Pacific Northwest region of the country.

Is Seattle cheaper than Los Angeles?

Os of July 2025, Seattle is slightly cheaper than Los Angeles. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles sits at $2,382, while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Seattle sits at $2,463.