How Much Does It Cost to Live in Seattle in 2025?
- matthewbchapman8
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
The Emerald City offers an excellent quality of life. But with this comes a cost of living significantly higher than the national average.Â
Seattle cost of living is 45% higher than the national average. Housing is the highest expense, 112% more than the national average.Â
This is followed by transportation, healthcare, and food and groceries, at 30% more than the national average. Utilities are 25% higher than the national average.
If you are considering moving to this location, learning more about the cost of living in the area will help you assess whether living in Seattle would be advantageous for you. Read on to know more.
Housing Costs in Seattle
As of May 2025, the average monthly rent in Seattle, WA, is $2,094, 29% higher than the national average of $1,625.Â
Below, you’ll see the average monthly rent in Seattle based on home type and the number of bedrooms:
Average Monthly Rent | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
Apartment | $2,094 | $2,781 | $3,902 |
House | $1,439 | $2,846 | $3,774 |
Townhome | $2,255 | $3,253 | $3,751 |
Condominium | $2,261 | $2,978 | $4,063 |
For those interested in buying a home in Seattle, WA, the median sale price as of February 2025 is $785,500, significantly higher than that of the national median of $348,000.Â
The table below shows the median home sale price in Seattle, WA, based on property type:
Property Type | Median Sale Price |
Single-family | $1,000,000+ |
Condominium | $600,000 |
Townhouse | $800,000 |
Utility Expenses
Basic utilities like electricity, water, and internet service in Seattle, WA, typically cost 25% more than the national average.Â
The average electricity costs are about 13 cents per kWh, translating to around $196 per month. This can fluctuate depending on the season and the weather.Â
For those utilizing gas or oil heat, energy bills are typically between $100 and $250 per month, depending on the time of year and how much heating fuel is used.
Food and Grocery Prices
Food and grocery prices in Seattle exceed the national average by around 30%.Â
Item | Average Cost |
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $25.00 |
Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-Range Restaurant | $100.00 |
Combo Meal at a Fast-Food Restaurant | $14.00 |
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) | $7.75 |
Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $8.00 |
Cappuccino (regular) | $5.58 |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle) | $2.99 |
Water (0.33-liter bottle) | $2.40 |
Item | Average Cost |
Milk (1 liter) | $1.31 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | $4.94 |
Eggs (regular, 12) | $6.10 |
Rice (white, 1kg) | $5.28 |
Local Cheese (1kg) | $21.17 |
Beef Round Back Leg Red Meat (1kg) | $20.53 |
Apples (1kg) | $5.89 |
Banana (1kg) | $2.57 |
Oranges (1kg) | $5.38 |
Tomatoes (1kg) | $6.48 |
Potatoes (1kg) | $3.18 |
Onions (1kg) | $3.59 |
Lettuce (1 head) | $2.81 |
Water (1.5-liter bottle) | $2.61 |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $20.00 |
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter bottle) | $2.92 |
Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $4.27 |
Transportation Costs
In Seattle, transportation costs are 30% above the national average. Both public transportation and private vehicle ownership contribute to this.
The average cost of public transportation in Seattle ranges from $100 to $200 per month. Those who drive their own vehicle spend around $400 to $600 monthly on gas and maintenance.Â
Transportation Expense | Average Cost |
Monthly transit pass | $100 to $120 |
Rideshare (average trip) | $15 to $25 |
Monthly parking downtown | $250 to $350 |
Gas (per gallon) | $4.25 to $4.75 |
Monthly Car insurance | $130 to $210 |
Healthcare Expenses
Healthcare costs in the Emerald City are 30% higher than the national average.
While healthcare in Seattle is quite expensive, the city provides efficient and accessible medical services with exceptional hospitals, such as the University of Washington Medical Center and the Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Below, you’ll see the average cost of medical consultations in Seattle, as well as the typical prices of common medications:
Healthcare | Average Cost |
Doctor | $208.77 |
Optometrist | $179.39 |
Dentist | $157.05 |
Ibuprofen | $11.93 |
Lipitor | $179.39 |
Salary and Income Expectations
Considering the high cost of living in Seattle, WA, the annual income requirements are significantly higher than the national average.Â
Below are the recommended annual incomes for a single individual, a couple, and a family of four:
Household Type | Recommended Annual Income |
Single individual | $80,000 to $100,000 |
Couple | $110,000 to $130,000 |
Family of four | $140,000 to $180,000 |
Cost of Living Comparison
Although Seattle’s cost of living is not as expensive as that of San Francisco or New York, the Emerald City is considerably more expensive than most cities in the United States, including Chicago.Â
The average cost of living in Seattle exceeds the national average by 45%, and this affects housing, which costs more than double the national average.
While housing is the primary factor that makes Seattle an expensive place to live, the cost of transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to the high overall cost of living.
Let’s take a close look at the differences in the cost of basic expenses between Seattle and Chicago:
Cost of Living | Seattle | Chicago | United States |
Overall | 145 | 114 | 100 |
Grocery | 130 | 104 | 100 |
Housing | 112 | 139 | 100 |
Utilities | 125 | 94 | 100 |
Transportation | 130 | 105 | 100 |
Is It Worth Living in Seattle in 2025?
Seattle’s cost of living may be high, but the city’s exceptional career opportunities, natural beauty, progressive culture, and top-notch amenities make it a desirable location to call home.
The absence of state income tax somewhat offsets the high cost of living, especially for high-income professionals.Â
In addition, the city’s strong job market, particularly in the healthcare and tech industries, provides the earning potential necessary to live comfortably in Seattle.
Final Thoughts on Seattle’s Affordability
Seattle, WA, is undeniably among the most expensive cities in the country. However, despite its high cost of living, the Emerald City has a lot to offer, including economic opportunities, natural beauty, excellent amenities, rich culture, and temperate climate all year round.
If you’d like to explore the real estate options in Seattle, WA, give me a call today at (206)-501-8484. You may also email me at matthewbchapman@windermere.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in Seattle in 2025?
As of May 2025, the average monthly rent in Seattle, WA, is $2,094, 29% higher than the national average of $1,625.Â
Are groceries expensive in Seattle?
Yes, food and groceries cost 30% higher than the national average.Â
Is living in Seattle worth the high cost?
Yes, absolutely! Although Seattle’s cost of living may be high, the city offers exceptional career opportunities, natural beauty, progressive culture, and top-notch amenities.
