2026 city cost profile
Cost of Living in Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington has an overall cost of living index of 137.2, which is 37% above the national average.
Index
137.2
37% above the national average
Key stats
Index
137.2
National average = 100
Rent
$3,475
Estimated average monthly rent
Home price
$636,000
Estimated median home price
Income
$111,000
Estimated median household income
Category breakdown
Category indexes use 100 as the U.S. national average baseline.
| Category | City index | National average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 184 | 100 | +84.0% |
| Groceries | 118 | 100 | +18.0% |
| Transportation | 113 | 100 | +13.0% |
| Healthcare | 109 | 100 | +9.0% |
| Utilities | 103 | 100 | +3.0% |
| Miscellaneous | 116 | 100 | +16.0% |
Salary needed
Single adult
$113,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Family of four
$250,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Monthly budget examples
Single
$6,410
Couple
$10,640
Family
$15,000
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Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Q1 2026
Data as of Q1 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, HUD Fair Market Rents.
Cost of living indexes use the national average as baseline (100). Data is updated periodically.