Cost of Living in Seattle: What Renters Should Know Before Moving

Deciding where to rent next takes more than just browsing rental apartment listings. Whether you’re relocating for work, school or a fresh start, it’s important to understand what everyday life will cost in your new city — especially if that city is Seattle. Specifically, before signing a lease, renters should know how local expenses compare to what they’re used to — from rent and groceries to health care and transportation.

Seattle is one of the most in-demand rental markets in the Pacific Northwest. With a strong job market, major employers and a steady stream of newcomers, competition for apartments can be intense. Plus, high demand and low inventory mean renters often face waitlists, bidding wars or the need to act fast when the right unit becomes available.

Understanding the cost of living in Seattle can help you budget more effectively and avoid surprises after your move. This guide breaks down what renters can expect by using the latest data to compare the average cost of living in Seattle with both the Washington state and the national averages.

What’s the average cost of living in Seattle?

Living in an apartment in Seattle isn’t just about taking in waterfront views, hiking after work or grabbing coffee in cozy cafés, although those are all part of the appeal. If you’re thinking about calling Seattle home, it’s smart to look beyond the lifestyle and focus on what it will really cost you to live here.

As of March 2025, the median household income in Seattle is $121,984, which is well above the national average. Sounds promising, right? Well, there’s more to the story.

What’s driving those higher costs, exactly? Without a doubt, housing takes the top spot. The price of renting or buying a home in Seattle is 112% above the U.S. average and 39% above what’s typical in the rest of Washington. Even if you’re only renting, monthly payments can easily exceed what many other cities require.

Other essential expenses also see a bump. Utilities in Seattle are about 1% more expensive than the national average, food costs are 10% higher, and both transportation and health care clock in at 28% above U.S. norms. Additionally, goods and services (including clothing and personal care) are 22% more expensive than the national average — even though they’re 15% lower compared to the rest of Washington.

While the cost of living in Seattle is definitely on the higher end, the city’s higher median income can help offset the expenses — especially for renters who plan their budgets carefully.

Breaking down the cost of living in Seattle

Here’s a category-by-category breakdown to give renters a clearer view of where their money goes in Seattle:

Housing (Buy & Rent)

• Average Monthly Rent: $2,258
• Average Home Price: $1,093,157
• Mortgage Rate: 6.9%

Housing is, by far, the biggest driver behind Seattle’s elevated cost of living. As such, renters should be prepared for above-average prices across the board.

Utilities

• Energy Bill: $204.50/month
• Phone Bill: $204.74/month

Both renters and homeowners can expect higher-than-average utility bills. This includes essential services, like electricity, heating and telecommunications.

Food

• Milk (1 gallon): $4.94
• Eggs (dozen): $3.87
• Bread: $4.44
• Potatoes: $3.94
• Cheese: $4.76
• Ground Beef: $7.03

Groceries in Seattle tend to be more expensive than they are in many other U.S. cities. While food quality and variety are high, the prices reflect that.

Health Care

• Doctor’s Visit: $208.77
• Dentist: $157.05
• Optometrist: $179.39

Medical care in Seattle is about 28% more expensive than the national average. This includes both general check-ups and specialized services.

Transportation

• Gas (per gallon): $4.49
• Tire Balancing: $70.07

Driving in Seattle comes with higher costs — from gas prices to basic maintenance. However, public transportation may help reduce some of those expenses.

Goods & Services

Knowing more about these everyday expenses will help you get an even clearer view of the cost of living in Seattle:

Clothing

• Men’s Shirt: $49.17
• Women’s Slacks: $46.92
• Boy’s Jeans: $35.00

Personal Care & Entertainment

• Haircut: $48.66
• Beauty Salon: $85.33
• Dry Cleaning: $24.60
• Movie Ticket: $15.27

These everyday purchases might not seem major on their own, but they add up. From shopping for clothes to catching a movie or visiting the salon, Seattle’s prices are noticeably higher than average.

Is Seattle a good choice for renters?

For many renters, deciding if Seattle’s higher costs are justified comes down to personal priorities and budgeting. The city offers a lot — including great jobs, natural beauty, and a lively food and arts scene — but it also comes with a price tag to match. Compared to the rest of Washington, and especially the national average, it’s a more expensive place to call home.

That said, many renters find the trade-offs worthwhile. If you can align your income with your housing and lifestyle choices, Seattle can be an exciting and rewarding place to live. And, by understanding the average cost of living in Seattle and how it compares to the rest of the state and country, you’ll be better equipped to find an apartment that fits your budget and your goals.