Cost of Living in Seattle, United States

Seattle has a cost of living index of 144/100 (New York = 100). It is 44% more expensive than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

144/100
Cost Index
$6,429/mo
Median Income
40/100
Safety Index
temperate oceanic
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 88/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,365/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,949/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,765/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 62/100
Milk (1 liter)$4.84/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$3.5/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.4/kg
Dining OutScore: 65/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$18/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$75/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$11/meal
TransportationScore: 65/100
Monthly Transit Pass$99/month
One-Way Ticket$3/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2.7/km
UtilitiesScore: 48/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$208/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$55/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$40/month
HealthcareScore: 68/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$120/visit
Dentist Visit$157/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$18/course
EntertainmentScore: 63/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$14/ticket
Theater Ticket$50/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 60/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$60/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$25/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 58/100
Haircut (Men)$25/cut
Haircut (Women)$55/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$7/bottle
ClothingScore: 68/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$80/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$50/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$110/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

150 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Capitol Hill, Ballard, Pike Place Market

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle cheap to live in?

Seattle has a cost of living index of 144/100, where New York = 100. It is 44% more expensive than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $2,880–$4,032 per month.

How much does rent cost in Seattle?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Seattle costs approximately $2,365/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,949/month.

Is Seattle good for digital nomads?

Seattle has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 150 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Seattle?

The median net monthly salary in Seattle is approximately $6,429 USD. The income tax rate is around 0%.

How does Seattle compare to New York for cost of living?

Seattle (cost index 144) is 44% more expensive than New York (cost index 100).

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