What is the cost of living in Seattle in 2025?
Seattle still has a way of appealing to both new arrivals and long-standing residents alike with its lively technology landscape, breathtaking scenery, and cultural vibrancy. But it is not easy living in the Emerald City. As of 2025, Seattle’s cost of living is well above both national and state averages, led by housing but also affected by everyday costs that involve food, transportation and healthcare. To help you get there, we’re excited to present this detailed, human-focused national blog that gives your name the face of what Seattle actually costs to live in today and how to adjust your planning according to the bigger financial picture.
Housing: By Far the Biggest Expense
It’s no surprise that housing is the biggest expense in Seattle’s cost of living. Seattle housing costs are roughly 112% of the national average. The median price of a home in 2025 is around $1,028,000, with a lot of single-family homes going above $1 million and condos listed between $550,000 and $600,000. For renters, typical expected monthly rent is just above $2,252, but drastically differs based on neighborhood and size.
This steep price of housing is driven by a scarcity of land — Seattle is surrounded by water and mountains — and a rapidly growing population attracted to the tech sector. Demand is far outpacing supply, driving up prices, and making homeownership a struggle for many.
The Daily Basics: Utilities, Food and Healthcare
Utility costs in Seattle are about 2-10% higher than national averages, with monthly bills generally ranging from $185 to $270 depending on your usage and the size of your household. Food costs are about 16 percent higher than the U.S. average, with groceries for one person costing about $300 to $400 a month. Eating out is also more expensive, in line with the city’s lively restaurant scene.
Health care costs are particularly high — about 35 percent higher than the national average. That includes the cost of doctor visits, dental care and health insurance premiums, which can also vary widely but often total several hundred dollars a month in a household budget.
Transportation, and Other Expenses
Seattle’s transportation expenses are approximately 29% more expensive than the average American city. Although public transit exists and is heavily relied on, the vast majority of residents use cars which come with costs such as gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance. A monthly public transit pass is about $100 and car ownership can add $200–$400 per month in fuel and insurance alone.
Other goods and services, including clothing, entertainment and personal care, are about 20 percent more expensive than the national average. That means shopping for everyday items, fitness memberships and leisure activities need to be budgeted for much more than in many other U.S. cities.
Estimated Monthly Cost per Household
Single Person (not including rent): $1,480 per month
Family of Four (Not Including Rent!): About $5,332/month
Average Monthly Rent: $2,252
MONTHLY COST (household of four with rent)More than $7,500
Seattle is also acutely aware of the high costs of comfortable living, particularly for families or those hoping to own their home.
Why Is Seattle So Expensive?
There are a few reasons Seattle is so expensive to live in:
Tech Industry’s Pull: Companies such as Amazon and Microsoft draw high-income workers, pushing housing demand and prices higher.
Geographic limitations: Natural barriers prevent expansion, limiting housing supply.
Population Explosion: Growth exceeds new housing development.
Zoning and Regulatory Challenges: Limits on density and development stymie increases in supply.
Qualityof Life: Different amenities, outdoor access and cultural offerings attract residents willing to pay more.
Easing Life in Seattle
Even with the sky-high prices, Seattle residents persevere. Thrifty budgeting, smart neighborhood choices and creative use of local service help. If you have a busy home, keeping the environment clean and tidy is important. Seattle Green Maids provides eco-friendly cleaning services to aid residents in keeping their homes clean and refreshed without extra stress.
If you rent or own, investing in services you spend countless hours saving money for will enhance your quality of life in Seattle’s busy lifestyle.
Planning Your Move or Stay
If you’re thinking about moving to Seattle, or budgeting for 2025, it’s important to know how much things cost in the city. Visit our website for more in-depth resources, costs-calculator and local intelligence to help you make informed decisions that are right for you.
Seattle’s overall cost of living in 2025 is still expensive, mainly to do with housing, with high prices in utilities, food, healthcare and transportation. Though these costs are burdensome, the city’s economic opportunities and lifestyle remain attractive to residents. Thoughtful planning and support from trusted partners like Seattle Green Maids make it possible to live well in Seattle.
