Cost of Living in Seattle, WA
Population 754,195 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Seattle, WA is $2,030/month, 15% higher than the Washington median and 44% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $938,600, 182% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $123,860 a year, 26% higher than the state median.
Affordability
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Seattle vs. Washington vs. U.S.
| Seattle | Washington | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $2,030 | $1,760 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $938,600 | $564,600 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $123,860 | $98,141 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 43.7% | 63.8% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 68.4% | 39.6% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 9.9% | 9.9% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.1% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 34.8% | 19.8% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 35.6 | 38.3 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Seattle, WA?
The median gross rent in Seattle, WA is $2,030 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Seattle, WA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $81,200 a year in gross income.
Is Seattle, WA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 44% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 7.6 times the median household income.
Other cities in Washington
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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