How Much to Live
Comfortably in Seattle?
Use our interactive budget calculator to find out exactly how much income you need for your lifestyle in Seattle's diverse neighborhoods.
The Bottom Line
To live comfortably in Seattle, you need approximately $75,000/year as a single person, $120,000/year as a couple, or $150,000+/year for a family of four. "Comfortable" means covering all expenses, maintaining a 15% savings rate, and having discretionary income for entertainment. Seattle's cost of living is 72% above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs.
Interactive Seattle Budget Calculator
Select your household type to see a detailed breakdown of income needed for comfortable living in Seattle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
$6,250/monthBudget Visualization
Income Requirements by Household Type
Detailed analysis of what each type of household needs to live comfortably in Seattle.
Single Person
~$75,000/year ($6,250/month)
A single person can live comfortably in Seattle on approximately $75,000 per year. This allows for a quality 1-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood, regular dining out, and a healthy savings rate.
Money-Saving Tip
Consider neighborhoods like Beacon Hill or Northgate where 1BR apartments average $1,850-$1,950/month - you could comfortably live on $65,000-$70,000 in these areas.
Single Person Monthly Budget
Couple (No Children)
~$120,000/year ($10,000/month)
A couple without children needs approximately $120,000 combined annual income. This covers a 2-bedroom apartment, two cars or one car plus transit passes, and allows for comfortable dining, entertainment, and vacations.
Money-Saving Tip
If one partner works from home, consider going car-free. Seattle's transit is excellent in many neighborhoods, saving you $400-600/month in car payments, insurance, and parking.
Couple Monthly Budget
Family of 4
~$150,000-$180,000/year
A family of four needs $150,000-$180,000 depending on childcare needs. This is Seattle's most challenging demographic due to high childcare costs ($2,000-$2,800/month per child) and the need for larger housing.
Important Consideration
Childcare in Seattle averages $2,400/month for one child in full-time care. Many families choose suburbs like Shoreline, Burien, or Renton where housing is 20-30% cheaper and still commutable to Seattle jobs.
Family of 4 Monthly Budget
Cost of Living by Seattle Neighborhood
Where you live dramatically affects your budget. Here's how neighborhoods compare.
South Lake Union
Tech hub, new construction, walkable to Amazon HQ.
Capitol Hill
Vibrant nightlife, LGBTQ+ friendly, historic charm.
Ballard
Breweries, waterfront, Scandinavian heritage.
Fremont
Quirky, artistic, "Center of the Universe."
Beacon Hill
Diverse, light rail access, emerging food scene.
Northgate
New light rail, mall redevelopment, family-friendly.
White Center
Unincorporated King County, diverse dining, artistic.
Lake City
North Seattle, improving rapidly, good transit.
How Seattle Compares to Other Cities
Seattle's cost of living in context with other major U.S. cities.
Cost of Living Index (US Average = 100)
Seattle's Advantage: No State Income Tax
Washington State has no personal income tax, which can save high earners significant money compared to California (13.3% top rate) or Oregon (9.9%).
| City | Cost Index | 1BR Rent | Income Needed (Single) | State Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, NY | 235 | $3,800 | $110,000+ | 10.9% |
| San Francisco, CA | 190 | $3,200 | $95,000 | 13.3% |
| Seattle, WA | 172 | $2,200 | $75,000 | 0% |
| Portland, OR | 130 | $1,700 | $60,000 | 9.9% |
| Denver, CO | 128 | $1,800 | $62,000 | 4.4% |
| Austin, TX | 115 | $1,500 | $55,000 | 0% |
Building Financial Security in Seattle
Living "comfortably" means more than covering expenses - it means building wealth for the future.
Emergency Fund
$15K-$25K
3-6 months of expenses. Seattle job market is strong, but tech layoffs happen. Aim for 6 months if in tech.
Retirement Savings
15%
Contribute at least 15% of gross income. Max out 401(k) employer match first, then Roth IRA ($7,000/year in 2026).
Home Down Payment
$120K+
20% down on Seattle median home ($600K) = $120K. Many use 10-15% down with PMI to enter market sooner.
Seattle-Specific Savings Tips
- Skip the car: In neighborhoods with good transit, going car-free saves $500-800/month
- Costco membership: With Seattle prices, the $65/year membership pays for itself quickly
- Happy hour culture: Seattle restaurants offer great happy hour deals - eat out without breaking the bank
- Outdoor activities: Hiking, parks, and beaches are free - embrace Seattle's outdoor lifestyle
- Library system: Seattle Public Library offers free museum passes, streaming services, and more
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Seattle as a single person?
A single person needs approximately $75,000 per year ($6,250/month) to live comfortably in Seattle. This covers a 1-bedroom apartment ($2,200), utilities ($150), food ($500), transportation ($300), healthcare ($350), entertainment ($300), and allows for a 15% savings rate ($1,125). In more affordable neighborhoods like Northgate or Beacon Hill, you could manage on $65,000-$70,000.
What salary do couples need to live comfortably in Seattle?
A couple needs approximately $120,000 combined annual income ($10,000/month) to live comfortably in Seattle. This covers a 2-bedroom apartment ($3,000), utilities ($200), food ($800), transportation ($500), healthcare ($600), entertainment ($500), and a healthy savings rate ($1,500). Living in areas like West Seattle or Greenwood can reduce this requirement to around $100,000-$110,000.
How much income does a family of 4 need in Seattle?
A family of 4 needs approximately $150,000-$180,000 per year to live comfortably in Seattle. This covers a 3-bedroom home ($3,800+), utilities ($300), food ($1,200), transportation ($700), healthcare ($1,200), childcare ($2,400 per child), children's activities ($400), and savings. Many families choose suburbs like Shoreline, Burien, or Renton where housing costs are 20-30% lower.
What is the average rent in Seattle in 2026?
Average Seattle rents in 2026 are: Studio $1,800, 1-bedroom $2,200, 2-bedroom $3,000, and 3-bedroom $3,800. Rents vary significantly by neighborhood - Capitol Hill and South Lake Union are 20-30% above these averages, while Northgate, Beacon Hill, and White Center are 15-25% below. The rental market has stabilized after post-pandemic fluctuations.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Seattle?
The most affordable Seattle neighborhoods include White Center (1BR avg $1,650), Rainier Beach (1BR avg $1,700), Beacon Hill (1BR avg $1,850), Northgate (1BR avg $1,900), and Lake City (1BR avg $1,950). These areas offer 15-25% savings compared to the city average while maintaining good transit access and essential amenities. Many are rapidly improving with new development.
Is Seattle more expensive than San Francisco or New York?
Seattle is less expensive than both San Francisco and New York City. Seattle's cost of living index is 172 (vs national average of 100), compared to San Francisco at 190 and Manhattan at 235. However, Seattle is more expensive than Portland (130), Denver (128), and Austin (115). Seattle's major financial advantage is no state income tax, which can effectively save high earners 5-10% compared to California.
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