What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA?

In Seattle, the median home value is $879,900 and median rent is $1,945 per month, against a median household income of $116,068. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Seattle?

A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,945/month, that implies an income of about $77,800 to keep housing affordable in Seattle.

Is it better to rent or buy in Seattle?

With a median home value of $879,900 and median rent of $1,945/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Seattle depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Seattle, WA Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Seattle, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

734,603

Population

$116,068

Median household income

+60% vs tracked median

$879,900

Median home value

+169% vs tracked median

$1,945/mo

Median rent

+39% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

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Seattle, Washington is home to roughly 734,603 residents. The typical household earns $116,068 per year — above the median across cities we track (+60%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $879,900 (above the multi-city median at +169%), while renters pay a median of $1,945 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Seattle

Median home value is $879,900 and median gross rent is $1,945/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Seattle.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

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Moving to Seattle

Planning a move to Seattle? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA?: In Seattle, the median home value is $879,900 and median rent is $1,945 per month, against a median household income of $116,068. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Seattle?: A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,945/month, that implies an income of about $77,800 to keep housing affordable in Seattle.
Is it better to rent or buy in Seattle?: With a median home value of $879,900 and median rent of $1,945/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Seattle depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.