Cost of living in Seattle
Seattle, a vibrant city in Washington State, is known for its booming tech industry, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living in Seattle is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the average costs associated with living in Seattle, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more. Whether you're a potential resident or just curious, this information will help you make informed decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21 on average, with a range between $14.5 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $97, with prices ranging from $65 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $14, with a range between $12 and $15.16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $7 to $11, cappuccino $3.5 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.19 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.71 per liter, averaging $1.2.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $7.72, with an average price of $4.55.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.8 to $7, averaging $4.54.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.76 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.16 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.8 to $3.59 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $3.5, with a monthly pass priced between $90 and $120.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.06 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.6, with a cost of $1.68 to $1.86 per km and $30 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1850 to $3000, averaging $2246.29.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $1804.72.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3500 to $6000, averaging $4415.38.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2800 to $4000, averaging $3386.24.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5387 to $11302.11, averaging $7060.84.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4477.79 to $7351.75, averaging $5239.73.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $418.46, averaging $234.21.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $100, with an average cost of $71.91.
Cost of Living Rankings
Seattle ranks 6th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Seattle's cost of living is relatively high, with significant expenses in housing and dining. Rent prices in the city centre are notably steep, making it essential to budget carefully.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport offering a cost-effective option for commuting. Grocery prices vary, with some items like bread and eggs being more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are also on the higher side, reflecting the overall cost of living in a major urban area like Seattle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in Seattle comes with a higher cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. However, the city offers a vibrant lifestyle with numerous amenities and opportunities.
Prospective residents should consider these costs when planning their move and explore ways to manage expenses, such as utilizing public transportation and exploring housing options outside the city centre.