Cost of Living in Seattle, WA
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA — prices, rents and what jobs really pay here after taxes.
Price level
111.1
U.S. average = 100 · #7 of 387
Median wage
$72,610
all jobs · $4,993/mo take-home
1-bedroom rent
$2,022
HUD fair market rent
▲7.6%
Pay trend: The median for all workers in Seattle, WA rose from $67,510 (May 2024) to $72,610 (May 2025). That beat inflation (2.4%), a real raise of about 5.2%.
Salary comparison calculator
What would you need to earn in Seattle, WA to keep the same lifestyle — after taxes — as in another city?
Salary needed to keep your lifestyle
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How expensive is Seattle, WA?
With a price level of 111.1 (U.S. average = 100), Seattle, WA is one of the most expensive places in the country. In detail, housing costs run 51% above average; everyday goods run 4% above average; utilities are 7% below average; other services such as healthcare and dining run 7% above average. The biggest difference from the national average is in housing.
Prices in Seattle, WA vs. the U.S. average
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.1 | +11.1% |
| Housing | 151.3 | +51.3% |
| Goods | 104.0 | +4.0% |
| Utilities | 92.8 | −7.2% |
| Other services | 106.8 | +6.8% |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Rent in Seattle, WA
| Unit | Monthly rent | Income needed (30% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,926 | $77,040/yr |
| 1 bedroom | $2,022 | $80,880/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,379 | $95,160/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,148 | $125,920/yr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,676 | $147,040/yr |
HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026, population-weighted across the metro's counties.
Salary needed to live in Seattle, WA
To keep the same standard of living as in an average-priced U.S. city, you would need to earn roughly:
| Salary in an average U.S. city | Equivalent in Seattle, WA | Take-home here |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $44,500 | $37,936 |
| $60,000 | $66,700 | $55,753 |
| $80,000 | $88,900 | $71,371 |
| $100,000 | $111,100 | $86,989 |
| $150,000 | $166,700 | $125,205 |
Scaled by the BEA price level (pre-tax). Take-home: single filer, Washington 2026 taxes. For a tax-aware comparison with a specific city, use the calculator above.
A monthly budget on the median wage
A single worker earning Seattle, WA's median wage of $72,610 takes home about $4,993 a month. A typical one-bedroom rents for $2,022, which is 40% of take-home pay — well above the 30% guideline, so many workers here share housing or rent smaller units. That leaves about $2,971 a month for everything else.
Take-home pay in Seattle, WA
Your take-home pay
$59,911
per year · effective tax rate 17.5%
$4,993Monthly
$2,496Twice a month
$2,304Every 2 weeks
$28.80Hourly
- Federal income tax$7,144
- Social Security (6.2%)$4,502
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,053
- Washington income tax$0
- Take-home pay$59,911
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Highest-paying jobs in Seattle, WA
| Job | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | $239,200+ | $234,323 | $210,849 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $229,900 | $169,986 | $152,958 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $214,680 | $159,739 | $143,737 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $204,340 | $152,123 | $136,884 |
| Financial Manager | $185,550 | $138,155 | $124,315 |
| Sales Manager | $184,320 | $137,249 | $123,500 |
| Marketing Manager | $175,850 | $131,459 | $118,290 |
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | $174,260 | $130,373 | $117,312 |
| Computer Network Architect | $172,650 | $129,272 | $116,322 |
| Human Resources Manager | $171,360 | $128,391 | $115,529 |
| Managers, All Other | $168,980 | $126,764 | $114,065 |
| Software Developer | $167,280 | $125,602 | $113,019 |
| Lawyer | $164,980 | $124,030 | $111,605 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $164,860 | $123,948 | $111,531 |
| Data Scientist | $164,740 | $123,866 | $111,457 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $163,580 | $123,073 | $110,744 |
| Pharmacist | $162,870 | $122,588 | $110,307 |
| Information Security Analyst | $161,780 | $121,843 | $109,637 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $160,100 | $120,694 | $108,604 |
| Construction Manager | $159,430 | $120,236 | $108,191 |
*In U.S.-average dollars after adjusting for local prices.
Pay and living costs in Washington cities
Half of Washington’s 3,550,970 workers earn less than $62,990 a year and half earn more; the middle 50% earn $47,020–$101,710 (BLS, May 2025). Prices vary a lot within the state: Seattle, WA stretches a paycheck furthest, while Wenatchee, WA is the costliest.
| Metro area | Median pay | Price level | 1-BR rent | Rent share | Left after rent / mo | Buying power* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $72,610 | 111.1 | $2,022 | 40% | $2,971 | $53,909 |
| Portland, OR | $60,690 | 105.4 | $1,677 | 40% | $2,568 | $48,325 |
| Spokane, WA | $54,660 | 100.3 | $1,168 | 30% | $2,674 | $45,940 |
| Olympia, WA | $61,960 | 103.7 | $1,682 | 39% | $2,648 | $50,125 |
| Kennewick, WA | $57,290 | 100.1 | $1,268 | 32% | $2,750 | $48,174 |
| Yakima, WA | $47,810 | 95.5 | $1,047 | 31% | $2,336 | $42,488 |
| Bremerton, WA | $63,200 | 105.6 | $1,548 | 35% | $2,865 | $50,149 |
| Bellingham, WA | $57,820 | 103.3 | $1,493 | 37% | $2,560 | $47,069 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $59,590 | 102.4 | $1,311 | 31% | $2,861 | $48,867 |
| Wenatchee, WA | $49,290 | 103.9 | $1,143 | 33% | $2,339 | $40,234 |
| Longview, WA | $57,420 | 97.5 | $1,199 | 30% | $2,827 | $49,533 |
| Lewiston, ID | $48,300 | 91.2 | $931 | 27% | $2,485 | $44,964 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $53,100 | 98.5 | $1,181 | 32% | $2,556 | $45,520 |
*Yearly take-home pay (on each metro’s median wage, single filer) in U.S.-average dollars. Price level: BEA RPP 2024 (U.S. = 100). Rent: HUD FY2026 one-bedroom fair market rent.
Seattle, WA vs. similar-size cities
| Metro area | Price level | 1-BR rent | Median wage | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 111.1 | $2,022 | $72,610 | 2,086,210 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 104.8 | $1,396 | $59,320 | 1,951,650 |
| Detroit, MI | 100.3 | $1,128 | $52,080 | 1,904,530 |
| San Francisco, CA | 115.6 | $2,620 | $74,260 | 2,373,920 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 103.3 | $1,583 | $51,380 | 2,375,760 |
| Riverside, CA | 106.4 | $1,777 | $48,400 | 1,716,760 |
| Denver, CO | 105.8 | $1,754 | $62,320 | 1,609,350 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Seattle, WA expensive to live in?
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, overall prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area are 111.1% of the U.S. average, with housing at 151.3%. It is the #7 most expensive of 387 metro areas we track.
What salary do you need to live in Seattle, WA?
To match the buying power of a $60,000 salary in an average-priced U.S. city you would need about $66,680 in Seattle, WA (before tax differences). The median wage across all jobs here is $72,610.
Can you afford Seattle, WA on the median wage?
A single worker on the $72,610 median wage takes home about $4,993 a month after 2026 taxes; a one-bedroom at $2,022 would take 40% of that.
How much is rent in Seattle, WA?
HUD’s FY2026 fair market rents for Seattle, WA are $1,926 for a studio, $2,022 for one bedroom, $2,379 for two bedrooms and $3,148 for three bedrooms, including utilities.
Top salaries by field in Seattle, WA
Management Occupations
- Computer and Information Systems Manager — $214,680
- Architectural and Engineering Manager — $204,340
- Financial Manager — $185,550
- Sales Manager — $184,320
- Marketing Manager — $175,850
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary — $174,260
- Human Resources Manager — $171,360
- Managers, All Other — $168,980
Business and Financial Operations Occupations
- Project Management Specialist — $130,380
- Management Analyst — $126,340
- Financial and Investment Analyst — $124,790
- Personal Financial Advisor — $114,540
- Logistician — $108,920
- Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist — $102,170
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other — $101,920
- Accountant and Auditor — $99,370
Computer and Mathematical Occupations
- Computer Network Architect — $172,650
- Software Developer — $167,280
- Data Scientist — $164,740
- Information Security Analyst — $161,780
- Computer Occupations, All Other — $136,120
- Web and Digital Interface Designer — $133,760
- Computer Systems Analyst — $133,690
- Web Developer — $130,440
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
- Aerospace Engineer — $163,580
- Electrical Engineer — $140,210
- Industrial Engineer — $131,210
- Mechanical Engineer — $126,590
- Civil Engineer — $116,480
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval — $100,610
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists — $105,430
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health — $102,980
Community and Social Service Occupations
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors — $87,280
- Healthcare Social Worker — $83,550
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers — $75,280
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — $73,580
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other — $70,630
- Rehabilitation Counselor — $58,580
- Social and Human Service Assistant — $58,090
Legal Occupations
- Lawyer — $164,980
- Paralegal and Legal Assistant — $92,900
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary — $164,860
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education — $102,920
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $102,670
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $102,560
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education — $101,580
- Instructional Coordinator — $97,130
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term — $60,070
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary — $53,950
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
- Public Relations Specialist — $96,000
- Graphic Designer — $76,720
- Coach and Scout — $49,640
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
- Physicians, All Other — $239,200+
- Pharmacist — $162,870
- Dental Hygienist — $133,740
- Registered Nurse — $128,260
- Physical Therapist — $107,290
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse — $85,690
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician — $78,170
- Medical Records Specialist — $65,530
Healthcare Support Occupations
- Dental Assistant — $62,040
- Medical Assistant — $61,500
- Nursing Assistant — $51,990
- Home Health and Personal Care Aide — $48,210
- Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker — $45,640
Protective Service Occupations
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer — $115,120
- Firefighter — $101,090
- Security Guard — $47,490
- Protective Service Workers, All Other — $42,170
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers — $39,240
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
- Chef and Head Cook — $80,330
- First-Line Supervisor of Food Preparation and Serving Workers — $61,610
- Bartender — $58,180
- Waiter and Waitress — $57,280
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $51,530
- Cooks, Restaurant — $47,730
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper — $45,120
- Cooks, Fast Food — $44,030
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker — $48,480
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners — $46,490
- Maid and Housekeeping Cleaner — $44,900
Personal Care and Service Occupations
- Gambling Dealer — $60,490
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — $59,810
- Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor — $56,380
- Manicurist and Pedicurist — $50,800
- Recreation Worker — $45,990
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers — $44,250
- Animal Caretaker — $44,060
- Childcare Worker — $43,710
Sales and Related Occupations
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products — $129,550
- Advertising Sales Agent — $105,320
- First-Line Supervisor of Non-Retail Sales Workers — $100,060
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel — $82,540
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products — $82,260
- Real Estate Sales Agent — $79,990
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents — $77,860
- First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers — $62,170
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks — $81,850
- First-Line Supervisor of Office and Administrative Support Workers — $81,640
- Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant — $80,860
- Postal Service Mail Carrier — $62,960
- Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant — $62,000
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — $60,460
- Medical Secretary and Administrative Assistant — $60,350
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive — $60,230
Construction and Extraction Occupations
- First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers — $121,130
- Electrician — $101,780
- Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator — $95,750
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — $95,230
- Carpenter — $76,410
- Roofer — $64,090
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance — $60,440
- Construction Laborer — $59,740
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
- Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician — $103,900
- Avionics Technician — $100,200
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers — $93,230
- Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist — $82,330
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers — $80,100
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic — $79,920
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General — $60,760
- Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic — $59,290
Production Occupations
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers — $110,470
- First-Line Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers — $80,460
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $76,800
- Machinist — $74,560
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $66,240
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — $63,030
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers — $58,370
- Miscellaneous Assembler and Fabricator — $50,150
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers — $229,900
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity — $83,430
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors — $76,390
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver — $71,240
- Bus Drivers, School — $66,380
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator — $55,600
- Light Truck Driver — $49,590
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $47,740