City Cost of Living ReportWashington (WA)
Seattle, WA Cost of Living
Detailed 2026 economic index for Seattle. Compare median home values ($825,000), average monthly rent ($2450/mo), local taxes, groceries, and salary conversion equivalents.
Overall COL Index
152.1
52% above US avgMedian Income$105,391
Median Home Price$825,000
Median Rent$2450/mo
Population737,015
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Cost Index Breakdown vs US Average (100)
Scores above 100 represent higher than national average costs; scores below 100 indicate greater affordability.
US Baseline = 100
Housing Index
+118% higher218.4
Food & Groceries
+24% higher124
Utilities
-5% lower94.5
Transportation
+28% higher128.2
Healthcare
+16% higher115.8
Itemized Cost Breakdown in Seattle
Monthly Groceries
| Gallon of Whole Milk | $4.10 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | $3.65 |
| Dozen Large Eggs | $4.40 |
| Boneless Chicken Breast (1 lb) | $5.10 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.50 |
| Estimated Monthly Grocery Bill | $510/mo |
Utilities & Internet
| Electricity (900 sq ft apartment) | $110.00 |
| Water & Garbage Service | $95.00 |
| High-Speed Broadband Internet (60+ Mbps) | $70.00 |
| Natural Gas Heating | $45.00 |
| Average Monthly Utilities Total | $320/mo |
Transportation & Transit
| Regular Gasoline (per gallon) | $4.75 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $99.00 |
| Taxi Initial Tariff | $3.50 |
| Average Commute Time | 28.1 mins |
| Est. Monthly Commuter Cost | $340/mo |
Healthcare & Medical
| Primary Care Doctor Visit | $155 |
| Dental Checkup & Cleaning | $135 |
| Optometrist Eye Exam | $125 |
| Average Prescription Rx | $60 |
| Individual Policy Monthly Premium | $460/mo |
Tax Structure in Seattle, WA
Understanding state income, local sales tax, and effective property tax burden.
State Income Tax
0.00%
No state personal income taxCombined Sales Tax
10.25%
State (6.5%) + Local (3.75%)Effective Property Tax
0.92%
Est. $7,590/yr on median homeFederal Tax Baseline
US Standard
Standard IRS tax brackets applyAdvertisementSlot #city-mid-rectangle
Interactive Historical Trends & Charts
Housing & Rent Inflation Trend (2020 – 2026)
Category Breakdown vs National Benchmark
Pros of Living in Seattle
- •No state income tax in Washington state
- •High median developer & executive salaries
- •Surrounded by mountains (Cascades, Olympics) and Puget Sound waters
Cons of Living in Seattle
- •Overcast and rainy winter weather
- •High home prices (median $825k+)
Top Neighborhoods in Seattle
Capitol Hill
Vibrant center for dining, nightlife, and indie coffee shops
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2400/mo
Ballard
Nordic roots with craft breweries, locks, and Golden Gardens beach
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2300/mo
Queen Anne
Picturesque hill with panoramic Space Needle and skyline views
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2600/mo
Frequently Asked Questions — Living in Seattle, WA
Authoritative 2026 economic index, housing market, and salary questions.
The overall cost of living index for Seattle, WA is 152.1, benchmarked against the US national average baseline of 100. This means Seattle is 52% more expensive than the national average.