How Expensive Is It to Live in Seattle, Washington?

Seattle, Washington, has a reputation for a high cost of living. Understanding the various components that contribute to this expense is important for anyone managing their finances in the city. This overview dissects primary expenditures, providing a clearer picture of what it costs to live in Seattle.

Housing Expenses

Housing represents the largest portion of living expenses in Seattle, reflecting the city’s robust real estate market. Rental costs vary: a studio averages $1,531 to $1,562 per month, a one-bedroom $2,135 to $2,365, and a two-bedroom $2,659 to $2,833. A three-bedroom rental might exceed $3,750 per month.

Purchasing a home also involves substantial investment. The market remains competitive, and homeowners are subject to property taxes. In King County, the average property tax rate is approximately 1.01% of the home’s value. A $600,000 home might incur around $6,000 in annual property taxes.

For rentals, landlords are legally capped at charging no more than one month’s rent for a security deposit and non-refundable fees combined. Initial moving costs for professional services can range from approximately $480 for a studio to $2,240 for a three-bedroom home, depending on size and movers required.

Everyday Necessities

Beyond housing, daily recurring expenses form a significant part of the Seattle budget. Utility costs vary by usage and household size. A typical household might pay around $200 per month for combined utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services. Internet services typically cost around $64 per month, and average household cell phone bills are between $115 and $125 monthly.

Grocery expenses in Seattle are notably higher than the national average. Residents face weekly grocery bills averaging around $289.23, equating to over $1,150 per month for an average household. This places Seattle among the most expensive U.S. cities for groceries.

Dining out also adds to monthly expenditure. A meal at a casual restaurant might cost around $20. A mid-range restaurant typically charges between $20 and $40 per person for an entrée and a drink. Fine dining experiences are considerably more expensive, ranging from $75 to $150 per person, especially with alcoholic beverages.

Transportation costs vary based on commuting habits. Public transportation is available through the ORCA card system. An adult monthly bus pass costs $90.00, while a regional day pass is $6.00. For car owners, gasoline averaged $4.222 per gallon in December 2024. Full-coverage car insurance costs approximately $1,910 per year, or about $159 per month. Monthly parking in downtown Seattle averages around $220, but can range from $50 to $544. Routine car maintenance and repairs average about $900 annually, or $75 per month.

Healthcare, Childcare, and Taxes

Healthcare costs are an important financial consideration. For individuals, the average annual premium for an employer-sponsored health plan is approximately $1,368, or about $114 per month. For families, the average annual premium reached $25,572 in 2024, with workers contributing an average of $6,296 annually, or about $525 per month. For those purchasing plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, average monthly premiums for a Silver plan in 2025 are around $621.

Childcare expenses in Seattle are among the highest in the nation. The average monthly cost for infant childcare is approximately $3,498. For a 4-year-old, center-based care can cost around $15,720 annually, or $1,310 per month. Family-based infant care averages $15,600 annually, or $1,300 monthly.

Washington state does not impose a state income tax on wages. However, it levies a 7.0% capital gains tax on gains exceeding a standard deduction amount, which was $270,000 for the 2024-2025 tax season. Sales tax is a notable expenditure, with a combined state and local rate in Seattle reaching up to 10.35% to 10.40%. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value and local rates, with an average effective rate of 0.85% in King County.

Personalizing Your Seattle Budget

While average cost of living figures provide a general benchmark, individual financial experiences in Seattle can vary considerably. Lifestyle choices significantly influence overall expenses. For example, individuals who frequently dine out or attend numerous entertainment events will incur higher costs compared to those who cook at home and seek free or low-cost entertainment.

The choice of neighborhood also plays a substantial role beyond just housing costs. Different areas within Seattle offer varying levels of access to amenities and public transit, which can affect daily expenditures. Living in a neighborhood with excellent public transportation links might reduce the need for car ownership, cutting down on gas, insurance, and parking costs.

Household size and composition directly impact the scale of expenses. A single individual will naturally have lower overall costs than a couple or a family with children. Adding dependents introduces significant new categories of spending such as childcare, which is particularly expensive in Seattle, and increased grocery and utility demands. The averages presented serve as a guide, and a personalized assessment of spending habits and household needs is necessary for accurate budgeting.