Cost of Living in Seattle, United States
United States · North America
$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
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| 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% |
View Cost of Living in United States
Cost of Living in Seattle — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Seattle, United States is approximately $3,900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Seattle has a cost index of 96, making it around 4% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Seattle costs around $2,000/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,800/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $5,500/month. The rent index is 98 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Seattle scores 74/100 on the quality of life index and 50/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 76/100. The climate index is 58/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Seattle is approximately $6,500/month. With a purchasing power index of 94/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Seattle
The average monthly salary in Seattle is approximately $6,500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 94/100.
Healthcare Costs in Seattle
Healthcare quality in Seattle is rated 76/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Seattle
Seattle has a quality of life score of 74/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Seattle
Students living in Seattle should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Seattle
Expats moving to Seattle often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Seattle, United States is approximately $3,900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 96 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Seattle
Living in Seattle offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 96 and a quality of life score of 74/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $6,500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Seattle provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in United States and around the world.
Key Facts About Seattle
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,900
- Cost Index: 96
- Rent Index: 98
- Average Salary: $6,500
- Quality of Life: 74/100
- Safety Score: 50/100
- Country: United States
- Currency: USD
Is Seattle Expensive?
Seattle has a cost index of 96 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Seattle compare to other cities?
Seattle is located in North America with a population of approximately 0.7M. At a cost index of 96 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Seattle stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Seattle?
The average cost of living in Seattle, United States is approximately $3,900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 96 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Seattle?
Rent in Seattle varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 98 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Seattle alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Seattle expensive to live in?
Seattle has a cost index of 96 compared to New York City (100). At 96, Seattle is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,900.
What is the quality of life in Seattle?
Seattle has a quality of life index of 74/100 and a safety index of 50/100. The city is located in North America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Seattle compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Seattle with any city worldwide. Seattle's cost index is 96 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Seattle?
Many residents live comfortably in Seattle with a monthly budget of around $3,900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Seattle good for expats?
Seattle is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Seattle?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Seattle.
Is Seattle cheaper than New York?
Yes, Seattle has a cost index of 96 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Seattle?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Seattle.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Seattle
Cheapest Ways to Live in Seattle
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Seattle typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $2,000/month compared to $2,800/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Seattle, United States.
Is Seattle Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 94/100 and a quality of life score of 74/100, Seattle is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 96 relative to New York City, Seattle remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living United States has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Seattle Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Seattle", "Seattle monthly expenses 2026", and "is Seattle affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,900, a safety score of 50/100, and healthcare rated 76/100, Seattle offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to United States.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026