Seattle, United States
Cost of living · 2026 · Americas · Rent +2.6% vs 2025
Rent trend in Seattle (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Seattle (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Seattle
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in United States (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | USD 2,761 | USD 637 | USD 122 | USD 212 | — |
| Atlanta | USD 1,805 | USD 552 | USD 101 | USD 178 | -34.6% |
| Austin | USD 1,911 | USD 579 | USD 37 | USD 186 | -30.8% |
| Boston | USD 3,398 | USD 616 | USD 122 | USD 212 | +23.1% |
| Chicago | USD 2,018 | USD 573 | USD 112 | USD 186 | -26.9% |
| Dallas | USD 1,699 | USD 547 | USD 102 | USD 175 | -38.5% |
| Denver | USD 2,124 | USD 573 | USD 122 | USD 189 | -23.1% |
| Houston | USD 1,540 | USD 542 | USD 90 | USD 175 | -44.2% |
| Los Angeles | USD 3,080 | USD 605 | USD 112 | USD 196 | +11.5% |
Other Americas cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Seattle in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Seattle needs approximately USD 3,945/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around USD 7,741/month. Seattle is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Seattle in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle costs approximately USD 2,761/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around USD 5,310/month. Rent has changed +2.6% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Seattle?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Seattle are approximately USD 637 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Seattle?
A monthly public transport pass in Seattle costs USD 122 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Seattle?
Monthly utility costs in Seattle average USD 212 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Seattle expensive to live in?
Seattle is located in United States (Americas). With a 1-bed rent of USD 2,761/month and total single-person expenses around USD 3,945/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Seattle?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Seattle costs approximately USD 27 in 2026. Budget around USD 212/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Seattle changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Seattle from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 20.7% over this period (from USD 2,288 in 2022 to USD 2,761 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Seattle?
To live comfortably in Seattle in 2026, a single person needs approximately USD 3,945/month. This covers rent (USD 2,761), groceries (USD 637), transport (USD 122), utilities (USD 212) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around USD 7,741/month.