Cost of Living in Seattle, United States
United States · North America
Cost of Living in Seattle: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Seattle, United States is approximately $3,900 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 96, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$3,900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
96
Cost Index
NYC = 100
98
Rent Index
NYC = 100
74
Quality of Life
Good
50
Safety Index
Moderate
0.7M
Population
USD
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $20 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $85 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $13 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $8 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $9 |
| Cappuccino | $6 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.3 |
| Bread (500g) | $3.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $12 |
| Beef (1kg) | $17 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $2.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.75 |
| Monthly Pass | $99 |
| Taxi 1km | $3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $33000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $27000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $140 |
| Mobile Plan | $62 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $65 |
| Fitness Club/month | $90 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,800/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $2,000/mo |
| 3BR Center | $5,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $3,800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $12,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $8,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $6500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
Cost of Living in Seattle: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Seattle, United States, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $3,900. The city's cost of living index is 96, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Seattle
A typical monthly budget in Seattle includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Seattle
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $2,000 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $2,800. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $5,500 per month.
Average Salary in Seattle
The average net salary in Seattle is approximately $6,500 per month. Purchasing power is rated 94out of 100.
Is Seattle Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 96,Seattle is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Seattle
Safety
Seattle has a safety score of 50/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Seattle is rated 76/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Seattle is 58/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Seattle has a purchasing power score of 94/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Seattle
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Seattle should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Seattle fits their monthly budget.
Is Seattle Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 96provides a useful benchmark when comparing Seattle with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Seattle
- Average Monthly Cost
- $3,900
- Cost Index
- 96
- Rent Index
- 98
- Average Net Salary
- $6,500
- Quality of Life
- 74/100
- Safety
- 50/100
- Healthcare
- 76/100
- Currency
- USD
Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle
What is the cost of living in Seattle?
The estimated cost of living in Seattle, United States, is approximately $3,900 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Seattle?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $2,000 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $2,800.
Is Seattle expensive to live in?
Seattle has a cost index of 96 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Seattle?
The average net salary in Seattle is approximately $6,500 per month.
Is Seattle good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Seattle is suitable for relocation.