Cost of Living in Seattle
Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, driven largely by a booming tech sector and high demand for housing. While residents benefit from no state income tax, everyday expenses like dining and utilities are typically well above national averages.
Overview text is model-generated; see the note below.
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Monthly Cost Estimate
excluding rent
including 1-bedroom rent
Single person in Seattle. Totals are the sum of the category ranges below (low ends added together, high ends added together), so a real budget usually falls somewhere in between.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Housing & Rent
$1,900 – $2,800
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center versus outlying neighborhoods.
Food & Groceries
$550 – $850
Monthly grocery expenses and moderate dining out at local restaurants.
Transportation
$120 – $250
Monthly transit pass (ORCA card) plus occasional rideshares or parking fees.
Utilities
$210 – $320
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) and high-speed internet.
Healthcare
$350 – $650
Private health insurance premiums and typical out-of-pocket co-pays.
Entertainment
$200 – $400
Gym memberships, movie tickets, and recreational activities like coffee shop visits.
Build your own monthly budget
Starts at the midpoint of each estimate for Seattle. Type your own amounts to see your total and annual figure. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Estimate: $1,900 – $2,800
Estimate: $550 – $850
Estimate: $120 – $250
Estimate: $210 – $320
Estimate: $350 – $650
Estimate: $200 – $400
Yearly: $4,300 × 12 = $51,600. Excludes taxes, debt payments, savings, childcare, education, car ownership and one-off costs such as deposits or moving.
New to ranges? Read how to turn these estimates into a personal budget.
Comfortable Living
Estimated monthly spending for a comfortable lifestyle in Seattle, with regular dining out and leisure:
Including rent • Single person • Excludes income tax and savings • A separate model estimate, not derived from the category totals above
Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle
The first answer is calculated from the figures on this page. The others are model-generated text; answers that quoted older dollar figures are hidden so they cannot contradict the totals above.