Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by Ahmad Shahzad
Seattle WA
Seattle, the second-largest city in the Pacific Northwest, is found in Washington State. The urban convenience of Seattle and its proximity to nature make it a preferred destination for young professionals, families, and artists.
As if Seattle’s historically strong job market wasn’t enough to entice you, there are plenty of jobs at your disposal. With a growing tech hub and extensive career opportunities nearby, Seattle perfectly complements the great outdoors.
However, Seattle, Washington’s cost of living has increased in recent years due to its rapid growth and cultural transformation. The city will still be cheaper than San Francisco or New York City until the price drops. We prepared this guide to give information about the cost of moving to Seattle.
Cost of living in Seattle
Seattle is a vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It has a diverse population, stunning natural scenery, and a thriving economy. However, it is also known for its relatively high cost of living. Here are some quick facts about the cost of living in Seattle:
Seattle’s cost of living is higher than the national average. This is due in part to the city’s strong job market, high-quality education, and desirable location.
The cost of housing in Seattle is particularly steep, with the median home value around $800,000.
Renting in Seattle is also expensive, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovering around $2,000.
Other costs of living in Seattle, such as groceries, healthcare, and transportation, are generally in line with or slightly above the national average.
The cost of living in Seattle can vary depending on where in the city you live, with some neighborhoods being more affordable than others.
Despite its high cost of living, many people are drawn to Seattle for its quality of life and abundance of opportunities.
While Seattle may be a costly place to live, it offers many benefits that make it an attractive destination for those who can afford it.
In 2010, Seattle became one of the fastest-growing big cities in the country. Approximately 200,000 more people are expected to move there within the next 20 years. Several factors contribute to this growth, including the city’s dynamic culture and growing tech sector. Emerald City’s cost of living has increased as a result of this.
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Price of Food in Seattle
There is lots of great food to eat in Seattle. If you enjoy seafood, Pike Place Market is the place to visit. Also, you can’t go to Seattle without visiting Dick’s Drive-In. People who work there can explain why it is better than In-and-Out.
However, those living on a limited budget may only have the opportunity to enjoy Seattle’s restaurants occasionally. As reported by different resources, the average meal at a Seattle restaurant costs about $30 per person, compared to $25 on the national average.
Similar prices vary significantly at the grocery store, and only the difference is more significant. Different resources data indicate that an average Seattle resident should spend $399.69 on food per month.
Seattle residents spend 75 cents more than the national average of $324.20 per month.
Two dozen eggs cost $2.95 and two pounds of apples cost $2.48, according to the Seattle Food Price Guide.
Cost of healthcare in Seattle
MIT estimates that an employed single in Seattle spends, on average, $2,206 per year on medical services based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. If you have two full-time employees and a child, the annual expenditures rise to $6,380.
Cost of Other expenditures in Seattle
The city’s prices are near or slightly higher than the national average on other costs, such as healthcare and clothing. Washington requires you to pay sales tax in Seattle, so you should keep that in mind. With its 10.10% sales tax, it’s one of the highest in the nation, which means virtually everything will cost more.
On the positive side, Washington has no personal income tax, so most things will cost less. Considering your higher shopping costs, you will spend a lot more in Seattle but keep more from every check.
Seattle transportation cost
Seattle’s public transportation system is the best in the country. Many commuters in Seattle still use vehicles. The public transportation system in the Seattle area is the greatest in any significant city due to its diversity, safety, and efficiency.
Seattle provides a great selection of more than 200 neighborhoods to explore. Since there are so many neighborhoods to discover, public transportation is likely to be a significant expense for you. The estimated cost of transportation in the Emerald City for a single adult is $4,900. Families with two full-time workers and one child will pay $11,186 for transportation around town each year.
If you weren’t aware, your commute to Seattle wouldn’t require a car, so you’ll save money. Seattle’s subway system is well-connected and expanding continuously. The easiest way to get around Seattle is by car, especially if you want to go outside the city.
Whether you take a cab or the light rail system’s Link into the city, hold off picking up your car until you get there. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs between $40 and $55. If you’re only visiting Seattle for one or two days, consider using the public transportation system.
Cost of Fitness and Entertainment in Seattle
A nature-filled Seattle apartment is a fitness center. You can enjoy Seattle’s outdoor and recreational activities at a low cost by taking advantage of all that the city offers. If you need special equipment or prefer team workouts, expect to pay $56.19 monthly as a membership fee. According to the San Francisco Bay Area Gym Association, monthly gym membership costs $99.44.
Consider setting up a small home gym in your apartment if you want to save money and have some extra space.
Movies cost around $15 per ticket, plus drinks and popcorn if you consider an outing at the movies. Ticket prices for a movie theater in New York range from $16 to $15, whereas in San Francisco, it’s $15.
Minimum salary required in Seattle
Although every occupation is different, it is essential to know what the average Seattleite makes.
City residents have access to a substantial minimum wage of $16.69 per hour, much higher than the $7.25 federal minimum wage. Here, the minimum wage is higher than the statewide minimum wage in Washington, which stands at $14.49.
Although residents earn much more than the city’s minimum wage, many earn significantly more. Seattle, Washington, earn a median salary of roughly $70,586 a year, according to different resources. Throughout the United States, the average household income is less than $2,000 per year. When the average cost of living in this country is so much higher than in the U.S., breaking even might be challenging.
Pros of living in Seattle
- Additionally, along with the city’s continuous development, opportunities for employment in various industries such as engineering, technology, healthcare, etc., have also increased.
- In addition to a moderate climate all year round, it receives frequent rainfalls. It’s always lovely weather for strolling around the neighborhood, whether it’s summer or winter.
Cons of Living in Seattle
- A lot of people know that the average cost of living in Seattle can be high. Two-bedroom apartment rentals, for instance, cost an average of $2,724 a month, while the typical home costs $826,200.
- There are also some living expenses that can be pretty expensive. According to the November 2021 gas price report, Seattle residents paid $4.090 per gallon. For comparison, national gas prices are $3.576 per gallon.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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