Cost of Living in Seattle
United States
Monthly budget (single)
$2,954–$4,677/month
$2,954 – $4,677 (local currency)
Last updated: 2026-03
Can you afford to live in Seattle?
Enter your monthly take-home in USD. We compare it to typical budgets for your household size (estimates, not financial advice).
Cost breakdown
| Category | USD | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,215–$3,446 | $2,215 – $3,446 |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,169–$1,846 | $1,169 – $1,846 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | $92–$178 | $92 – $178 |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$62 | $37 – $62 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $468–$702 | $468 – $702 |
| Eating out (per meal, mid-range) | $62–$111 | $62 – $111 |
| Coffee | $5–$7 | $5 – $7 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | $117–$142 | $117 – $142 |
| Gym membership | $43–$80 | $43 – $80 |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $17 – $22 |
Budget scenarios
Single
$2,954–$4,677/mo USD
$2,954 – $4,677
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,446/mo
- Groceries: ~$702/mo
- Transport: ~$142/mo
Couple
$4,677–$7,138/mo USD
$4,677 – $7,138
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,446/mo
- Groceries: ~$702/mo
- Transport: ~$142/mo
Family
$6,769–$10,462/mo USD
$6,769 – $10,462
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,446/mo
- Groceries: ~$702/mo
- Transport: ~$142/mo
Neighbourhood guide
Seattle Center
CentralUrban core, transit access
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,769–$4,308/mo ($2,769 – $4,308)
Seattle Midtown
CentralMixed residential
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,437–$3,791/mo ($2,437 – $3,791)
Seattle Outer
SuburbanQuieter, family-friendly
Est. 1-bed rent: $1,772–$2,757/mo ($1,772 – $2,757)
Quality of life scores
Pros & cons
✅ Pros
- • Tech jobs
- • Nature access
- • No state income tax
❌ Cons
- • Rain
- • Home prices
- • Growth pains
Similar cities & cheaper alternatives
Compare Seattle with another city
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Estimates are for comparison only and do not constitute financial advice. Sources include our internal dataset and periodic third-party index updates.