Cost of Living in Seattle: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

The city of Seattle in Washington, United States offers numerous compelling incentives for contemplating a move. Its exceptional educational institutions, thriving job market, distinct culture, and limitless outdoor pursuits are just a glimpse of what this gem in the Pacific Northwest has to offer. If you are thinking of going there for higher studies then you need to know the cost of living in Seattle per month for a single person.

Seattle is renowned as one of the top 10 places to reside in the United States according to the US News. Before moving to Seattle, you need to understand the recent updates on the cost of living in Seattle. In this blog, we will discuss in detail the average cost of living in Seattle as well as other essential expenses. Let’s jump straight into discussing the average cost of living in Seattle.

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Cost of Living in Seattle

Overall, Seattle has a higher cost of living compared to many other places in the United States, the average cost of living in Seattle for an individual is around USD 1,370 without rent. However, the rent of a room apartment in Seattle may cost you around USD 1,500 to USD 3,600.

To help you assess if Seattle fits your budget, we have compiled a list of factors that affect the cost of living in Seattle city. These factors include housing costs, transportation costs, utilities, food costs, healthcare expenses, entertainment, taxes, and other expenses. Let’s have a look at the expenses you can expect to bear in Seattle: 

Cost of Transportation in Seattle

Transportation costs in Seattle can be significant due to the city’s heavy traffic. Seattle’s public transit systems, such as King County Metro and Sound Transit, offer alternatives, with a one-way ticket costing approximately US 2.75, and a monthly pass priced at USD 99. 

The gasoline prices are higher than the national average, at around USD 1.31 per litre. Furthermore, taxi fare starts from USD 3.10 and for a car waiting 1 hour is around USD 30. This is all about the cost of transportation in Seattle please make your transportation budget accordingly.

Cost of Food in Seattle Restaurants

Food costs in Seattle can be up to 30% higher than the national average, although visiting farmers’ markets can help find good deals on local produce food. Whether you want to dine at a restaurant or sample its street food, Seattle has something for everyone.

The average cost of a meal at an affordable restaurant in Seattle is around USD 20 and the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant for 2 people is around USD 100, including three main courses.

Preparing meals at home is a good idea if you are a student because if you go out to eat it can be expensive for you and can affect the budget of the cost of living in Seattle. For your convenience, the average cost of groceries in Seattle is shown in the table below:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	USD 1.20
Eggs (regular) (12)	USD 4.67
Apples (1kg)	USD 5.00
Banana (1kg)	USD 1.81
Oranges (1kg)	USD 4.84
Tomato (1kg)	USD 5.84
Potato (1kg)	USD 3.26
Onion (1kg)	USD 3.22
Lettuce (1 head)	USD 2.42
Cheese (1kg)	USD 13.31
Rice (white), (1kg)	USD 5.62
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	USD 4.45
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	USD 2.10

This is all about the cost of food and groceries in Seattle please make your budget accordingly.

Cost of Utilities Bill in Seattle

Utility costs in Seattle, including electricity, gas, water, and garbage, amount to around USD 227 per month for an 85-square-meter apartment. High-speed internet typically costs about USD 69.24 per month.

This is all about the cost of the Utilities Bill in Seattle please create your utilities budget accordingly.

Cost of Housing Rent in Seattle

Rental rates in Seattle vary depending on the neighbourhood. Areas like Belltown, South Lake Union, and Denny-Blaine have the highest rental rates, while Lake City and Laurelhurst are comparatively lower. 

Please note that the average cost of accommodation in Seattle depends on a few factors, such as the location and size of the apartment. The housing costs cover a large portion of the cost of living in Seattle. Here is what the average rental rates look like in Seattle:

Apartment	Location	Approx Monthly Cost
Single-Bedroom Apartment	City Centre	USD 2,379
Single-bedroom Apartment	Outside the Centre	USD 1,836
Three -bedrooms Apartment	City Centre	USD 4,266
Three -bedrooms Apartment	Outside the Centre	USD 3,270

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Cost of Healthcare in Seattle

Healthcare costs in Seattle are lower than the national average, with a healthcare index of 85.2. Healthcare costs in Seattle can vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage and individual needs. On average, monthly health insurance premiums can range from USD 300 to USD 600 per person. 

Additionally, out-of-pocket expenses like copayments and deductibles should be considered. The city offers various health insurance options, including Kaiser, LifeWise, Molina, and PacificSource. 

Additional Expenses in Seattle

Despite the higher costs, Seattle offers a high quality of living, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant dining scene. By understanding the cost of living in Seattle, you can make informed decisions about where to settle within the city. Additional expenses in Seattle include sales tax, which is 10.25%, child care costs, and fitness club memberships.

The average hourly wage across all occupations in Seattle is USD 35.74, higher than the national average of USD 27.07 per hour. Entertainment costs should also be considered, with attractions such as the Seattle Art Museum, Woodland Park Zoo, Museum of Pop Culture, and Space Needle having admission fees ranging from USD 19.99 to USD 35 and up.

Also read: A Guide on Cost of Living in South Africa

Average Tuition Fees in Seattle

The average tuition fees in Seattle can vary depending on the university and program of study. For instance, Seattle University does not charge different fees for out-of-state students. However, to provide a general idea, undergraduate tuition fees at public universities in Washington State (including those in Seattle) for in-state students range from around USD 7,000 to USD 12,000 per year.

For out-of-state students, tuition fees can be significantly higher, typically ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 35,000 per year. Private universities in Seattle tend to have higher tuition fees. On average, undergraduate tuition at private universities can range from USD 30,000 to USD 50,000 per year or more, depending on the institution. Let’s have a look at the average tuition fees you can expect to give while studying at a university in Seattle:

Course	Annual Average Tuition Fees
Undergraduate	USD 48,510
Postgraduate	USD 13,770

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Cost of Living in Seattle Compared to Other States

In general, the average cost of living in Seattle is higher than the national average. Further, if we compare Seattle with other states in the United States, it also offers a higher cost of living with ample opportunities for higher studies, work, and entertainment. 

For your reference, we have given a comparison between the cost of living in Seattle and other cities like San Francisco, California, New York, New Jersey, Toronto, London, Washington DC, Dallas and Houston. Please take a look and understand the expenses accordingly:

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Seattle
Cost of Living in San Francisco	USD 1,497	Lower than Seattle
Cost of Living in New York	USD 1,658	Higher than Seattle
Cost of Living in California	USD 1,340	Lower than in Seattle
Cost of Living in Toronto	USD 1,118	Lower than Seattle
Cost of Living in London	USD 1,407	Higher than Seattle
Cost of Living in Washington DC	USD 1,346	Lower than Seattle
Cost of Living in Dallas	USD 1,237	Lower than Seattle
Cost of Living in Houston	USD 1,113	Lower than Seattle

Why Choose Seattle to Study Abroad?

Along with the reasonable cost of living in Seattle, it offers advanced education to international students. Education plays an important role in Seattle’s vibrant urban life. It boasts the highest proportion of college and university graduates in the United States, with more than half of its population holding a degree.

Within a 25-mile radius of the city, there are nearly 60 colleges and universities. Seattle’s student-friendly environment and excellent facilities make it an ideal place to live and pursue higher education. Some of the top universities in Seattle are Northwestern University, the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, and The University of Puget Sound. 

Seattle is renowned for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. As the birthplace of globally successful companies like Starbucks, Microsoft, and Amazon, it comes as no surprise that business, management, and marketing majors are highly sought after. 

The city also excels in scientific, technological, and medical research and breakthroughs, making programs in these fields particularly strong. With such a diverse range of universities and programs available, Seattle offers abundant opportunities to match your skills and interests.

Benefits of Studying in Seattle

• Seattle’s universities provide unparalleled proximity to the world’s most innovative biotech, medical, and high-tech businesses. This close connection offers unmatched opportunities to engage with global health initiatives, cutting-edge technology, and groundbreaking research. 
• In addition, Seattle is a hub for prominent corporations including Amgen, NanoString Technologies, Seattle Genetics, ZymoGenetics, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Expedia, Google, Tableau, and Uber, making job prospects within reach.  
• The leading universities in Seattle also offer numerous advantages, such as learning in a diverse environment. Interacting with individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and orientations provides unique opportunities to gain new perspectives and broaden one’s horizons.

Things to Know Before Moving to Seattle

Apart from the reasonable cost of living in Seattle, here are the main things you should know before visiting Seattle like it is famous for being the coffee capital, home base of big tech corporations and the origin of grunge music. Home to iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, the city is also famous for the food, wine, and beer it offers. 

Let’s have a look at some of the main things you need to keep in mind before you move to Seattle: 

Stellar Job Market

Despite the high cost of housing in Seattle, residents of the city earn incomes that are higher than the national average, making approximately 12% more than the typical American. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, both hourly wages and annual salaries in Seattle are well above the national averages. This also includes a minimum wage that is significantly higher than average.

The demand for highly skilled and well-educated workers in Seattle’s thriving tech industry has led to a substantial increase in incomes for top-tier jobs. As a result, salaries for these positions have experienced a significant surge.

Best Public Transit in Seattle

Seattle’s public transportation system has earned the top ranking in the United Nations. Despite this achievement, many commuters in Seattle still rely on cars. However, the public transit system in the Seattle area stands out for its diversity, safety, and efficiency, surpassing that of any other major city.

The average workday commute in Seattle is approximately 30 minutes, which is considered longer compared to national averages. One of the contributing factors to this lengthy commute is the presence of highway bottlenecks, especially as the city’s population has grown. 

However, as more people choose to utilize the various public transit options available, such as light rail, bus lines, streetcars, monorail, and bike-sharing, there is hope that overall traffic congestion will decrease over time. Additionally, opting for public transportation can help individuals save money by avoiding tolls on popular roadways, such as the 520 bridge or the SR 99 tunnel.

Great Museums in Seattle

Seattle holds the distinction of being the most educated major city in America, and this commitment to learning extends beyond its college campuses.

In Seattle, you will find a multitude of opportunities to expand your knowledge. The Pacific Science Center is a prime example, offering engaging educational experiences for the entire family. Visitors can embark on interstellar journeys at the planetarium, explore immersive virtual reality adventures, and enjoy larger-than-life IMAX experiences.

For aviation enthusiasts, the Museum of Flight provides an interactive museum experience centred around air and space exploration. Traditional museum tours are available, and the Boeing Academy for STEM Learning offers enriched educational experiences focused on space, flight, and robotics, catering to the interests of learners.

Seattle’s Puget Sound presents a unique aquatic environment that characterizes the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Aquarium provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the wonders of underwater life, allowing visitors to learn more about the diverse marine ecosystem.

Dining and Entertainment in Seattle

Seattle offers endless opportunities for indulgence. Whether you prefer elegant high-rise restaurants or savouring sourdough clam chowder bowls by the waterfront, the city’s shoreline is adorned with a delightful variety of culinary options. 

Apart from its diverse dining scene, Seattle is renowned for its gourmet beverages. At the Starbucks Roastery and Tasting Room, you can treat yourself to the finest and most exclusive coffees offered by Starbucks. Indulge in espresso flights, artisanal small-batch cold brews, and speciality beverages like the Undertow—an exquisite blend of suspended espresso, chilled half-and-half, and vanilla-bean syrup.

Sightseeing in Seattle

Even for those who have called Seattle home for a long time, the city’s sights never lose their charm. The Space Needle stands out as the city’s most unmistakable structure, offering a mesmerizing view from its observation deck. At the top, you’ll find interactive digital features and a revolving restaurant, providing the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking Seattle skyline. 

Another renowned landmark in Seattle is the Seattle Great Wheel. Since 2012, the Seattle Great Wheel has become an iconic symbol of the city, gracing the vibrant boardwalk with its captivating presence. This recent addition to the city’s skyline adds a touch of beauty to the waterfront and leaves a lasting impression.  

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FAQs on the Cost of Living in Seattle

So, this was all about the cost of living in Seattle. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.