🇺🇸 Seattle vs 🇺🇸 Washington
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Seattle
United States
$2,954–$4,677/mo
$2,954 – $4,677 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Washington
United States
$2,862–$4,531/mo
$2,862 – $4,531 / month (local)
Seattle is 3% more expensive
Washington wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Seattle (USD) | Washington (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,215–$3,446 | $2,146–$3,338 | 🟢 Washington |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,169–$1,846 | $1,133–$1,788 | 🟢 Washington |
| Utilities | $92–$178 | $89–$173 | 🟢 Washington |
| Groceries | $468–$702 | $453–$680 | 🟢 Washington |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $62–$111 | $60–$107 | 🟢 Washington |
| Public transport (monthly) | $117–$142 | $113–$137 | 🟢 Washington |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$62 | $36–$60 | 🟢 Washington |
| Gym membership | $43–$80 | $42–$78 | 🟢 Washington |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Washington |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,954–$4,677 | $2,862–$4,531 | 🟢 Washington |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.0 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Seattle
Washington▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seattle offers vs Washington
- ✓Tech jobs
- ✓Nature access
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Amazon/Microsoft alumni
Choose Washington if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seattle
- ✓Careers in policy
- ✓Museums
- ✓Transit
- ✓Government
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Full Seattle guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seattle →📊
Full Washington guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Washington →