How much money should I have to move to Seattle?
It is an exciting yet daunting idea, especially when you consider what kind of money is involved with such a decision to uproot yourself and start again in a new city. Most people are attracted to Seattle because of its great landscapes and the bright culture; however, if you think about how much money might be needed before relocation, the experience becomes much more smoother. Here, we discuss multiple costs one incurs while relocating to Seattle and glean some valuable insights on spending that money intelligently. Services such as Seattle Green Maids for cleaning needs also make a transition easier and your new home welcome from the very first day.
Cost of Living in Seattle
Housing Costs
The biggest expense when relocating to Seattle is housing. The rent can be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per month. Generally speaking, expensive places can be seen in Capitol Hill or Ballard, whereas more affordable ones would probably be in the regions of Rainier Valley or West Seattle. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $2,500 and approx. $1,800 outside of the city center. You have to do some work by analyzing other districts and tailoring your lifestyle according to what you prefer.
Utilities and Internet
You will also need to budget for utilities, such as electricity, heat, air conditioning, water, and trash collection can cost between $150-$200 per month. Internet service will depend on the provider and speed you desire but can cost between $50 to $100 per month.
Transportation Costs
Seattle has a pretty good public transportation system with buses and light rail. If you are going to use public transportation, it is roughly $100 for a monthly pass. If you plan to drive, your cost would be much tougher to define because you must budget for gas, insurance, and parking. In downtown Seattle, parking is extremely expensive, so you should have that in the budget.
Groceries and Dining Out
Groceries are a bit more expensive in Seattle than in the rest of the nation. As the city is pretty strong on its food culture, you will see plenty of options to eat out. If you are living alone, you can expect to spend around $300-$400 per month on groceries. A meal in a mid-range restaurant should be around $15-$25 dollars.
Other Living Expenses
As you plan on moving, think of the costs of moving besides your living costs. There are one-time cost-moving expenses, which include:
Moving Costs: Professional movers charge between $1,000 to $3,000 depending on how much you are relocating and the distance you are moving.
Security Deposits: Most landlords require a security deposit equal to one month's rent.
Miscellaneous Expenses: Do not forget to factor in costs of new furniture or home necessities if you are essentially starting fresh.
How to Budget for Your Move
Ideally, one should have saved up at least three months of living expenses before making the move to Seattle. The sum covers rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other personal expenses you might incur during the initial settling-in period.
And if you would opt to hire services from cleaners like **Seattle Green Maids**, it is a good thing you should also save for professional move out cleaning so your old home remains clean and spotless, which will also enable you to gain back all your money that was used as a security deposit from your landlord.
## Conclusion
To sum it all up, relocation to Seattle requires proper preparation financially. Knowing the cost of living and planning your budget right will start from housing and utilities, transportation, groceries, and everything that might be added up to one's expenses will make this transition even smoother. Ensuring that you save at least three months of expenses will serve as your safety net while settling in this new environment.
For example, if you need some assistance in cleaning around the move or after settling, Seattle Green Maids can provide you with full services that will ease up some of the hassles that come with moving. They are an environmentally friendly cleaning service company whose objective is to clean both your old and new places welcome and clean.
As long as the city has been chosen and budgeted for correctly, in the end, Seattle can be a new excellent adventure with full opportunities. There could also be an apartment or house move in this beautiful city, or you possibly require move out cleaning services, where you would need Seattle Green Maids to be able to help you out.
