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Cities / Seattle / Cost of Living

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Cost of Living in Seattle

How much you'll actually spend β€” not what travel blogs tell you

Monthly budget Β· Single Β· city center

$3,728/mo

Just you and your questionable life decisions

Rent(1BR)$2,442
Groceries & eating out$750
Transport$100
Utilities & phones$436
Average local salary (after tax)$6,476/mo

The real monthly damage

Rent β€” the biggest line item

1BR, city center$2,442/mo
1BR, outside center$1,959/mo
3BR, city center$4,680/mo
3BR, outside center$3,493/mo

Source: Numbeo. Prices in USD unless toggled.

Grocery prices β€” the supermarket reality check

Milk (1L)$1.40
Bread (loaf)$5.31
Eggs (12)$6.50
Chicken (1kg)$17
Apples (1kg)$5.83
Water (1.5L)$2.61
Wine (mid-range)$16

Eating out β€” because you won't cook every night

Cheap meal$25
Mid-range dinner for 2$100
Cappuccino$6.15

Getting around β€” or trying to

Monthly pass$100
Single ride$3.00
Taxi start$2.60
Gasoline (1L)$1.23

30-day trial run

What a month-long scouting trip costs before you commit to anything permanent.

Short-term rental$3,663
Food (2 meals + coffee/day)$1,685
Transport (2 rides/day)$180
SIM card$70
Total 30 days$5,598

Seattle vs. similar cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Seattle?β–Ό

A single person can expect to spend about $3,728/month in Seattle, including rent in the city center, groceries, transport, and utilities. Couples need roughly $4,648/month.

What is the average salary in Seattle?β–Ό

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Seattle is about $6,476, according to Numbeo data.

Is Seattle expensive compared to other cities?β–Ό

Compared to similar cities: Chicago ($3,365/mo), Honolulu ($3,936/mo), Los Angeles ($4,018/mo), Vancouver ($2,859/mo), Miami ($4,153/mo). Seattle comes in at $3,728/mo for a single person.

Cost data sourced from Numbeo. Updated periodically.