Seattle, Washington has an overall cost of living index of 114.0, which is 14.0 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,998 per month, while the typical home is valued around $912,100. Households earn a median of $121,984 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 37. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$121,984
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,998
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$912,100
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
114.0
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$2,074
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,146
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,501
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,272
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
114.0
Goods
116.4
Rents / Housing
154.7
Services
87.0
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
None
No state income tax on wages
State Sales Tax
6.50%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $164,130 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $115,170 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $95,630 |
| ⚡Electrician | $94,730 |
| 📊Accountant | $102,050 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
741,440
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.5 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
37.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Seattle?
Seattle has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 114.0. The US national average is 100, so Seattle is 14.0 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Seattle?
The median gross rent in Seattle is $1,998 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Seattle?
The median household income in Seattle is $121,984 per year.
What is the median home value in Seattle?
The median home value in Seattle is $912,100 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Seattle?
Seattle has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Seattle?
Washington has no state income tax on wages and a statewide sales tax of 6.50% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology