Cost of Living Comparison for Seattle, WA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Seattle's cost of living index is 156 — 56% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Seattle local data
How Seattle Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Seattle stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Seattle, WA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $780,000 | $420,800 | +85.4% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,713 | +5.1% |
| Median Household Income | $102,900 | $74,580 | +38.0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.92% | 1.10% | -16.4% |
| Cost of Living Index | 156 | 100 | +56.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Seattle Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 4,100,000
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg Commute
- 30 min
- Median Age
- 36.5
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 36.1x
- Annual Property Tax
- $7,176
Frequently Asked Questions — Seattle
What is the median home price in Seattle, WA?
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 as of 2025–2026. This is above the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Seattle?
Median monthly rent in Seattle is $1,800. That works out to $21,600/year, or 21% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Seattle affordable?
Seattle's cost of living index is 156 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $102,900/year and a median home price of $780,000, the price-to-income ratio is 7.6x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical Seattle household.
What is the property tax rate in Seattle?
The effective property tax rate in Seattle is 0.92% of assessed value. On the median home of $780,000, that's roughly $7,176/year ($598/month).