How much does it cost to live in Seattle?

Typical monthly costs in Seattle are approximately $2,200 in rent and $2,000 in other expenses, totalling around $4,200/month.

How much should I save in Seattle?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a very high cost city like Seattle, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

Seattle · USD · very high cost city

Cost of living in Seattle — is your salary enough?

Seattle median rent hit $2,200 in 2023; proximity to major tech employers drives sustained housing demand. Seattle workers benefit from Washington state's lack of income tax, improving effective savings rates vs. gross income benchmarks.

Rent in Seattle

Budget$1,700 – $2,000/mo

Typical$2,200 – $2,550/mo

Premium$2,900+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$2,000/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$4,200/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical Seattle costs ($2,200 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving -36%

Critical

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving -9.2%

Critical

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 18.9%

On Track

See your personal verdict for Seattle

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$2,200/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

Age (optional — improves benchmark)

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your Seattle salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your Seattle rent too high?