Seattle, WA, US
Pacific Northwest tech hub with no state income tax, coffee culture, and stunning nature.
Overview
Seattle is a city in WA with a population of 755,078. Pacific Northwest tech hub with no state income tax, coffee culture, and stunning nature. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Seattle vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 10.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $105,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 755,078
Climate
- Sunny Days: 152/year
- Summer High: 76°F
- Winter Low: 37°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $820,000
- 1BR Rent: $2350/mo
Cost of Living
Seattle's cost of living index is 172.1 (US average = 100).
| Category | Seattle | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 172.1 | 100 | +72.1% |
| Housing | 245.8 | 100 | +145.8% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $820,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2350/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,938/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $546 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Seattle:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $100 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $51 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $75 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $40 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $321 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Seattle scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Seattle has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 37°F | 2.5" |
| April | 61°F | 52°F | 2.8" |
| July | 76°F | 51°F | 1.5" |
| October | 56°F | 55°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Seattle faces the following natural hazards:
Cascadia subduction zone with major earthquake risk.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Mountainous and coastal regions with landslides.
Cascade Range with frequent avalanches.
Nearby active volcanoes including Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.
Coastal tsunami risk from Cascadia earthquakes.
River flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 10.25%
- Property Tax: ~0.93% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Seattle per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Seattle is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA, US?
The cost of living index in Seattle is 172.1, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Seattle?
The median home price in Seattle is $820,000. The housing index is 245.8.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle is approximately $2350/mo.
Does Seattle, WA have income tax?
Seattle is in WA, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Seattle?
Seattle enjoys approximately 152 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 37°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.