United States
Cost of Living in Seattle
Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates
COL+Rent: 67.7Rent: 56.2Groceries: 82.2Restaurant: 86.5
Monthly Budget Estimates
Minimal
$2,705/mo
Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit
Typical
$3,673/mo
City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out
Comfortable
$4,525/mo
Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment
Monthly Costs Breakdown
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Center) | $2,553 |
| Rent (1BR Outside Center) | $2,001 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $471 |
| Restaurant Meal | $25 |
| Transit Pass (monthly) | $83 |
| Utilities (monthly) | $191 |
Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Can You Afford Seattle?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Seattle?
A minimal monthly budget in Seattle is approximately $2,705, a typical budget is $3,673, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $4,525 per month.
How much is rent in Seattle?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle city center costs approximately $2,553/month. Outside the center, expect around $2,001/month.
Is Seattle expensive compared to New York?
Seattle's COL+Rent Index is 67.7 compared to New York's 100, meaning Seattle is about 32% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Seattle?
Monthly groceries in Seattle cost approximately $471. The city's Groceries Index is 82.2 (NYC = 100).