We all know that Seattle is expensive, but did you know that the overall cost of living is 53% higher than the national average? Despite our reputation as a rainy and socially cold city, people want to live here. We’re here to explain how much it will cost the average person to live alone in Seattle this year.

According to Zumper, Seattle “has a cost of living index of 172.3, compared to 118.7 for the state of Washington and 100 for the average across the country.”

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Housing makes our city so expensive – with the cost of buying or renting approximately 109% higher than the state’s average.

Total cost for renting:  $1,919 per month

The monthly average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,919 while a studio is $1,375 per month and a two-bedroom is $2,500 per month. Of course, it depends on what neighborhood you live in. Currently, Belltown, South Lake Union, and Denny-Blaine are the most expensive while Lake City and Laurelhurst are the lowest.

Other nearby cities like Bellevue have significantly higher rent coming in at $2,600, while Redmond sits at $2,299, Renton sits at $1,733, and Kent at $1,500.

Total cost for utilities: $220 per month

Keep in mind that on top of all of that, the average cost of utilities is $220 per month.

Average annual cost of owning a car: $4,938

If you drive each day then you know exactly how bad Seattle traffic can be. According to Zumper, many commuters spend at least 28.4 minutes stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. On top of that, gas is about $5.44 per gallon, which is higher than the national average of $4.779 per gallon. Overall, transportation costs are, on average, 35% higher than the rest of the country. Oh, and before you forget, car insurance is around $1,312 per year.

Total cost for transit: $99 per month

If you want to save on expensive transportation costs, Seattle’s public transport has an average one-way ticket price of $2.25, or you can save further by purchasing a monthly pass, which costs $99 per month.

Average cost for groceries: 

It’s not just the housing that’s expensive, groceries are too, in fact, groceries in our city are 30% more expensive than the national average. Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay at the store, according to the report:

  • A dozen eggs: $3.51
  • One loaf of bread: $3.47
  • 1 gallon of milk: $4.01
  • 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.02
  • 1 pound of ground beef: $7.27

Now the data isn’t all negative here, Seattle’s health care is actually somewhat affordable, it’s 15 points below the national average, sitting at 85.2.

The report also weighs in on the cost of entertainment, such as the Seattle Art Museum ($19.99), or the Space Needle ($35 and up). This also doesn’t include the cost of nights out or bars or restaurants.

So how much do you need to live in Seattle alone? 

Numbeo states that, without including the cost of rent, “a single person estimated monthly costs are $1,366.60.” And according to Zumper, “an annual salary of at least $72,092 can help you live comfortably in Seattle, Washington.”

Keep in mind these numbers are averages so your experience living in Seattle may be less or more expensive.

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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