Cost of Living in Seattle, WA
Seattle's cost of living index is 172 — 72% more expensive than the national average. Washington has no state income tax and a statewide COL index of 115.
COL Index
172
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$8,600
vs $5,000 national
Population
0.7M
Metro area
State Tax
None
Washington
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Seattle vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $3,432 | +$1,782 |
| Groceries | $650 | $1,024 | +$374 |
| Transportation | $800 | $1,318 | +$518 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $602 | +$202 |
| Utilities | $300 | $516 | +$216 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,891 | +$691 |
| Total | $5,000 | $8,600 | +$3,600 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Seattle, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$86,000
$75,000 nationally
$129,000
$100,000 nationally
$172,000
$150,000 nationally
$258,000