Living costs in Seattle, WA 2026

Seattle is a beautiful, bustling city that has a lot to do. Seattle is also one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Be prepared to make significant lifestyle adjustments if youare relocating to Seattle from another state.

Before moving to Seattle, it is important to consider your budget and the cost of living. Seattle's housing costs are 45% more expensive than the U.S. national average. Consumer prices are also nearly 18% higher. (Source)

A Guide to Living in Seattle

Seattle is a city with many recreational options, but also one of the most expensive cities in the United States. This guide will give you an overview of the costs involved in renting a room, apartment, or other necessities.

Quality of life

Seattle offers a high quality of living. Seattle is known for its many attractions and excellent quality of life. There are many attractions in Seattle, including mountains, waterfalls, and a great climate.

Transportation

There are good public transportation options and many bike paths in the city.

Education

Seattle, as well as the surrounding areas, is home to some great universities. These include the University of Washington and Seattle University. Seattle has a vibrant economy with many industries and companies here, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks.

Culture

Seattle is a city with a diverse population, and many cultures are represented. The city is home to a rich culture and many museums, theatres, and other art venues. Many coffee shops and bars are available for socializing, both formally and informally. There's also always something happening in downtown Seattle's entertainment district, be it live music at the local pub, or theater performances at our local theaters/performance venues, like Intiman Theatre.

Seattle is a Costly City

Seattle's cost of living is higher than average. Home values here are around $837,800 (Source), while the average national home is $512,800 (Source). This is a big difference. This makes purchasing a home a costly proposition.

Rents have also rebounded over the past few years. Since 2013, the city has been named as one of America's fastest-growing rental markets. Seattle's average rent is $2,081 for a 1-bedroom apartment, compared to a national average of $1,632 (Source). This makes Seattle's cost of living proportionally high.

Seattle Students' Cost of Living

Seattle's cost of living is higher than that of other cities, but there are ways you can save money. You should be aware that not all students pay the same amount of money for housing and utilities. Students who live with their parents pay less rent. Students who share an apartment with roommates will also be able to split the cost. Rent is also affected by location. Apartments in West Seattle are often cheaper than those in downtown Seattle. Living in Seattle can be expensive, especially if your goal is to live close to campus.

According to Tripalink, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,095 / month. If a student pays rent alone for a full school year (roughly 9 months), he or she will spend almost $19,000.

There are many ways to reduce the cost of housing in Seattle. Students can live with roommates or at home. These strategies can save students tens or even thousands of dollars over the course of their college career.

Transportation Costs

Seattle offers a variety of transportation options for those who don't want to own a car. Public transportation costs can range from $100-200+ per month, depending on whether or not you have a pass for the bus and if you ride your bike.

Gas and maintenance costs for a car can range from $400 to $600 per month. Seattle's congestion can make driving around stressful. It's always better to take public transport whenever possible. Parking fees will also be a factor if you intend to drive into the city centre at any time during your visit.

Taxi fares here are also expensive. Uber/Lyft rides downtown cost between $15 and $20, so it's usually more expensive to take an Uber/Lyft than ride the Metro.

Prices of Utility Services in Seattle

Electricity

Electricity costs per kWh are estimated to be around 13 cents. The price of electricity can vary depending on the weather and season. Seattle's average monthly electricity bill is $145 per month. However, you may pay more if you use more energy.

Gas/oil

Your monthly energy bill will be between $100 and $250, depending on how much fuel you use. Natural gas users typically pay between $1-$2 per therm, while propane users may pay more like $2-$4 a gallon.

Water and sewer service

The water bill is calculated according to usage. The sewer service charge is included in your metered water bill, as it's considered a part of the maintenance costs and not a separate fee. Sewer service fees cover everything from operating costs to remove blockages. The average monthly water and sewer charge for a Seattle apartment is $85

Healthcare Costs

Seattle is home to some of the best hospitals in the country, including the University of Washington Medical Center, the Seattle Children's Hospital and others. This means that healthcare services are accessible and efficient. However, it is not cheap. Healthcare costs are difficult to estimate as they differ by individual and institution. However, Seattle's healthcare is generally 30% more expensive than the national average. A doctor's visit costs an average of $230 and health insurance ranges from $200 to 450 dollars per month.

Cost of living in Seattle, WA

What is the cost of living in Seattle? Consider these numbers:

• Rent per month: $2,195

• Utilities: $245

• Spend up to $500 on food

• A monthly pass will cost you about $100 per month to use public transportation. The average cost of a one-way public transportation ticket is $2.75 to $3.50. Gas will cost you around $200-250 a month, and insurance will cost $75-200.

• Entertainment: $325

• Other expenses include health insurance (200-450 dollars), clothing, haircuts, phone plans, cable TV, and miscellaneous expenses.

• Total Estimate: $3,800+ per month

Seattle's normal living costs are higher than those in the rest of the country. Seattle residents are most concerned about housing affordability.

Seattle's Cost of Living is High, but the Rewards are Worth it

Seattle offers a great deal. The weather is temperate throughout the year, so you can enjoy nature all year long without getting heatstroke or freezing to death. There are many hiking trails and beaches, so you can enjoy the outdoors or just relax with a cup of coffee. You can choose from a variety of restaurants, including Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, and many more. Seattle has a wide variety of restaurants.

Seattle is a good city to live in if you want to work in the growing tech industry. Many tech companies have their headquarters in Seattle, and the demand for technical employees is constant. There are plenty of job opportunities for those who enjoy coding and other similar skills. Nearly 300,000 people work in the tech industry (amongst the highest numbers in the country).

The Conclusion

Seattle is a great city. Seattle is a beautiful city with people who are passionate about their city. Although the cost of living is high, if you are willing to sacrifice some luxury items, you can live comfortably in this city.

You can find affordable apartments in Seattle if you are willing to do some research.