Cost of living · Seattle, WA · 2026
What salary do you need to live in Seattle, WA?
What salary do you need to live in Seattle, WA?
To cover the essentials living alone in Seattle, WA — about $3,120 a month — you need to earn roughly $44,000 a year before tax (accounting for WA state tax). To live comfortably, with money left for savings, closer to $60,000. Rent alone is $2,200 a month.
Verified 12 August 2026
To get by $44,000 Covers rent and essentials with little spare
To be comfortable $60,000 Essentials plus room to save and enjoy the city
What it costs to live in Seattle, WA
| Monthly cost | |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bed) | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $170 |
| Transport | $120 |
| Food | $500 |
| Health | $130 |
| Total | $3,120 |
On the $44,000 "get by" salary, your take-home is about $3,128 a month — just covering the $3,120 of essentials.
Roommates change everything. Splitting rent and utilities can cut the salary you need by tens of thousands. Run your own numbers →