What is a good income to live in Seattle in 2025?
Seattle’s thriving economy, natural beauty, and cultural diversity draw many who move there each year. But the rising cost of living in the city often raises a crucial question: What is a good income for comfortable living in Seattle in 2025? Whether by honing your sense of the bottom line from the ground up (and numbers-crunching the cost of housing, food, transportation and health care), each factor of lifestyle as well as practical advice, this guide can help you gauge the dollars and cents that you’ll need to thrive financially in the Emerald City this year.
The Landscape of Cost of Living in Seattle
The high price of housing is the main driver of the higher cost of living in Seattle. Based on MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult working full time in Seattle must earn approximately $36.50 an hour, or about $76,000 a year, to make ends meet without help. This figure accounts for housing, food, transportation, healthcare and other necessities.
But “basic expenses” do not include savings, entertainment or discretionary spending. To live a more comfortable lifestyle — eating out, occasional travel, small savings — experts and locals often recommend aiming for a higher income.
In Seattle the median salary is about $76,147 (early 2025), and most salaries fall between $39,150 and $165,300. That means half of all full-time workers earn more than this and half less. Although this median income is enough to get many through the day to day, it may not be enough to afford a comfortable or “middle-class” lifestyle, particularly for families or those hoping to own a home.
How Does Comfortable Living Break Down?
A decent yearly salary to live comfortably in Seattle for one person is usually around $100,000. This allows for:
In a safe neighborhood, One bedroom apartment
Including utility bills, groceries and travel expenses
Eating out on occasion and participating in local events
Retirement and emergency savings
Having discretionary income for hobbies and travel
For families, particularly those with two working adults and children, the income required shoots up quickly. Studies indicate that a combined household income of approximately $150,000 to $200,000 can comfortably cover greater housing expenses, childcare, healthcare, schooling, and other family expenses.
Seattleites Share Real-Life Perspectives
Community discussions and surveys show that many residents of Seattle feel incomes below $80,000 would struggle to save and truly enjoy life in the city. Earners between the $100,000 and $130,000 were able to sustain a middle-class lifestyle, those below often make compromises, having to share homes with roommates, for example, or settle for less expensive neighborhoods beyond the city core.
Families often consider $150,000+ a comfortable income, especially taking into account childcare and education expenses. Many also stress the importance of a financial cushion for savings and other unexpected expenses.
Housing Cost: The Most Concerning Factor
Housing is still the top cost for Seattle residents. Median rents for a one-bedroom apartment are floating around $2,200 a month, and median home prices are just about $1 million, so owning a home is a major financial undertaking. Experts advise that no more than 30 percent of gross income should go to housing, which means:
Renters need a minimum of $88,000 a year to afford $2,200 a month rent comfortably.
Buyers of a median-priced home require household incomes well in excess of $150,000 to handle mortgage payments, taxes and maintenance.
Other Expenses to Consider
Utilities:About $185 per month.
Groceries: $300–$400 a month for one person.
Transportation: $100–$400 per month if you own a vehicle or use transit.
Healthcare: $200–$500 a month, based on insurance and medical needs.
Child care: Can be over $1,200 a month for families.
These costs can add up quickly and should be included in any income planning.
Services That Are Like a Bumper Sticker — Making Life Easier
The secret to living well in Seattle is often balancing work, family and individual time. Professional services take some of the load off their shoulders. Seattle Green Maids provides eco-friendly cleaning solutions that allow busy households to keep their homes clean and inviting and to have more time to enjoy Seattle’s vibrant culture and outdoors.
Planning Ahead and Saving
So, even if your time is limited, it makes sense to save at least 10-15% of your income for retirement or emergencies. In Seattle’s pricey universe, that means a budget-squeezing strategy and, in most cases, a take-home salary that far exceeds the minimum wage at least to make ends meet.
Resources and Support
If you’re planning to move to Seattle and want to maximize your money, visit our website for in-depth guides, budgeting tools, and local advice specific to Seattle’s distinct cost of living.
How much you need to make to live comfortably in Seattle in 2025 varies based on your lifestyle and family size, but generally speaking, singletons should aim for a salary of about $100,000 and families will need over $150,000+. Though a dream city with opportunity and quality of life galore, the high costs of New York City demand thoughtful finances. Take advantage of local services like Seattle Green Maids to stay balanced and enjoy all that Seattle offers.
