North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Seattle
The average cost of living in Seattle, United States is $2,760 per month for a single person, and $6,466 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $2,363 per month. The local average net salary is $6,254 per month.
Moderate cost
Updated today
Index 62.7 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $2,760 / month
- Family of 4
- $6,466 / mo
- Student
- $1,613 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Seattle
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$6,253.57 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Seattle | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Seattle | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Seattle | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Seattle | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Seattle | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Seattle | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Seattle | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Seattle | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Seattle | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Seattle | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Seattle FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Seattle. |
Rent & Property Prices in Seattle
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,363 | $1,900 – $3,100 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,908 | $1,600 – $2,337 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $4,680 | $3,800 – $5,900 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $3,493 | $2,900 – $4,300 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $7,706 | $6,265 – $10,226 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $5,311 | $4,402 – $6,997 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,363$1,900 – $3,100
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,908$1,600 – $2,337
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $4,680$3,800 – $5,900
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $3,493$2,900 – $4,300
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $7,706$6,265 – $10,226
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $5,311$4,402 – $6,997
Grocery Prices in Seattle
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.34 | $0.79 – $2.11 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $5.32 | $3.00 – $7.72 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $5.53 | $2.20 – $11 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $6.25 | $2.99 – $8.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $21 | $11 – $42 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $18 | $6.59 – $29 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $23 | $15 – $35 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $5.61 | $2.20 – $9.90 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.01 | $1.52 – $6.61 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $5.38 | $2.20 – $8.82 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $6.51 | $2.87 – $11 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $3.59 | $1.21 – $6.61 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $3.24 | $1.96 – $6.61 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $3.00 | $1.99 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.61 | $1.50 – $4.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $16 | $12 – $25 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $3.68 | $1.79 – $6.43 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $4.81 | $2.00 – $8.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $12 | $11 – $15 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.34$0.79 – $2.11
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $5.32$3.00 – $7.72
- White Rice (1 kg) $5.53$2.20 – $11
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $6.25$2.99 – $8.00
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $21$11 – $42
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $18$6.59 – $29
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $23$15 – $35
- Apples (1 kg) $5.61$2.20 – $9.90
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.01$1.52 – $6.61
- Oranges (1 kg) $5.38$2.20 – $8.82
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $6.51$2.87 – $11
- Potatoes (1 kg) $3.59$1.21 – $6.61
- Onions (1 kg) $3.24$1.96 – $6.61
- Lettuce (1 Head) $3.00$1.99 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.61$1.50 – $4.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $16$12 – $25
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $3.68$1.79 – $6.43
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $4.81$2.00 – $8.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $12$11 – $15
Public Transport & Car Costs in Seattle
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $3.00 | $2.75 – $3.00 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $108 | $99 – $120 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.60 | $2.60 – $2.60 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.68 | $1.68 – $1.69 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $30 | $30 – $30 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.27 | $1.10 – $1.48 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,318 | $33,000 – $37,550 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,462 | $25,000 – $25,770 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $3.00$2.75 – $3.00
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $108$99 – $120
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.60$2.60 – $2.60
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.68$1.68 – $1.69
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $30$30 – $30
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.27$1.10 – $1.48
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,318$33,000 – $37,550
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,462$25,000 – $25,770
Utility & Internet Costs in Seattle
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $285 | $134 – $425 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $74 | $40 – $120 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $83 | $50 – $120 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $285$134 – $425
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $74$40 – $120
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $83$50 – $120
Childcare & Preschool in Seattle
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $2,728 | $2,000 – $3,465 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $29,070 | $21,850 – $41,900 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $2,728$2,000 – $3,465
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $29,070$21,850 – $41,900
Clothing Prices in Seattle
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $73 | $42 – $125 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $54 | $35 – $80 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $123 | $65 – $169 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $156 | $80 – $240 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $73$42 – $125
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $54$35 – $80
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $123$65 – $169
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $156$80 – $240
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Seattle
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $88 | $35 – $200 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $36 | $30 – $45 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $18 | $14 – $26 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $88$35 – $200
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $36$30 – $45
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $18$14 – $26
Restaurant Prices in Seattle
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $21 | $17 – $40 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $100 | $91 – $200 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $15 | $13 – $16 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $8.00 | $5.00 – $12 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $8.00 | $7.00 – $15 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $6.11 | $4.50 – $10 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.95 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.64 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $21$17 – $40
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $100$91 – $200
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $15$13 – $16
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $8.00$5.00 – $12
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $8.00$7.00 – $15
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $6.11$4.50 – $10
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.95$2.00 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.64$2.00 – $4.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Seattle
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $6,254 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.68% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $6,254
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.68%
Compare Seattle with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Oakland
Monthly / 1 person
$2,765
vs NYC
62.8/100
United States
Fort-Lauderdale
Monthly / 1 person
$2,773
vs NYC
63/100
United States
Miami
Monthly / 1 person
$2,806
vs NYC
63.8/100
United States
Arlington
Monthly / 1 person
$2,708
vs NYC
61.5/100
United States
Honolulu
Monthly / 1 person
$2,830
vs NYC
64.3/100
United States
Washington
Monthly / 1 person
$2,900
vs NYC
65.9/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Seattle?
- An estimated $2,760 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Seattle. A family of four needs around $6,466 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,613.
- How much money do I need to live in Seattle?
- Plan for at least $2,760 per month as a single person, $6,466 per month for a family of four, or $1,613 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Seattle.
- What is the average rent in Seattle?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Seattle rents for around $2,363 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $4,680 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Seattle?
- The average monthly net salary in Seattle is around $6,254. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 38% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Seattle?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Seattle costs around $21. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $127 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.34/L) and bread ($5.32/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Seattle?
- A monthly public transport pass in Seattle costs around $108. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Seattle?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Seattle costs around $83 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.