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Are you considering relocating to Seattle? Seattle is a popular city in the United States, and it is also known for its culture, traditions, and job opportunities that welcome experts and students for higher education. Since 2010, Seattle has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and it is expected to add nearly 200,000 more residents over the next 20 years. This expansion is due to the city’s vibrant culture and thriving tech scene. Unfortunately, this means that living in Emerald City is becoming more expensive. The average cost of living in Seattle is 53% higher than the national average.
The most significant difference is in housing costs, which are approximately 109% higher than the state average. If you have prepared ahead as an international student, we have put together this comprehensive guide on the cost of living in Seattle per month and everything linked to it so that you may budget your expenses before arriving in the city.
Cost Of Living Calculator
| Description | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Accommodation | 100 |
| Total Cost of Transport | 50 |
| Total Cost of Utilities | 30 |
| Total Cost of Food | 70 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 250 |
Overview Of The Cost Of Living In Seattle
Seattle has a higher cost of living than many other cities in the United States on average. This Pacific Northwest city has a cost of living index of 172.3, compared to 118.7 for Washington state and 100 for the national average. Living costs in Seattle are on the expensive end, including student accommodation in Seattle, utilities, food, health care, transportation, and goods and services. The average cost of living in Seattle for students ranges between $2,027 to $2,534 per month. We have compiled a list of factors influencing the cost of living to assist you in determining your expenditures in Seattle and whether this city fits within your budget.
| Particulars | Cost (Monthly) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | $1445 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | $938 |
| Transportation | $138 |
| Food Cost | $402 |
| Entertainment | $60 |
| Groceries | $60 |
| Clothes | $121 |
Breakdown Of Cost Of Living In Seattle
From housing and transportation to groceries and entertainment, Seattle’s expenses can vary widely depending on your lifestyle. Let’s dive into the key factors that contribute to the overall cost of living in this dynamic urban scene.
Housing
Housing costs are a major factor influencing the cost of living in Seattle. Rental rates in Seattle vary by neighbourhood, with Belltown, South Lake Union, and Denny-Blaine having the highest and Lake City and Laurelhurst having the lowest. The closer you are to the city centre, the higher the rent. However, bear in mind that even though you can find cheaper housing in some of Seattle’s outlying areas, if you work in the city’s downtown, you’ll also need to budget for commuting expenses.
| Apartment Type | Rent Range |
| 1 Bedroom in City Centre | $1,850 – $3,000 |
| 1 Bedroom Outside of Centre | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms in City Centre | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms Outside of Centre | $2,900 – $4,500 |
Utilities
The average cost of living in Seattle includes all your utility bills too. For a 85-square-foot apartment, basic utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and garbage will cost around $150 – $418 per month. Of course, these rates vary seasonally, as you will use more power to heat your apartment during the colder months. Residents of Seattle, Washington, pay 8% more in utilities than the national average. Make a plan for these utility costs ahead of time.
| Utility Type | Monthly Cost Range |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | $150.00 – $418 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | $27.00 – $110 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $50.00 – $107 |
Groceries
In Seattle, the average monthly grocery bill can vary widely depending on your dietary preferences and shopping habits. Generally, residents can expect to spend around $300 to $600 on groceries each month. This amount typically covers a mix of essentials like dairy, bread, fruits, and vegetables. Understanding the average costs of staple items can help you plan your budget effectively, ensuring that you have enough for both your everyday needs and occasional treats.
| Grocery Item | Price Range |
| Milk (regular, 1 litre) | $1 – $2 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | $2 – $7 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | $2 – $11 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | $3 – $7 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | $9 – $40 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | $7 – $22 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | $12 – $29 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 – $7 |
| Banana (1kg) | $2 – $4 |
| Oranges (1kg) | $3 – $13 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2 – $9 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 – $6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 – $4 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2 – $4 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | $1 – $4 |
Transportation
The cost of living in Seattle also includes your transportation costs. You’ll need transportation whether you’re commuting to and from work or school, exploring the city, or taking day trips to beautiful places like Mount Rainier National Park. The two major public transportation systems, King County Metro and Sound Transit, can get you around Emerald City with ease. A one-way ticket on Seattle’s public transportation costs about $4, but you can save money by purchasing a monthly pass for $90 per month.
| Transport Item | Price Range |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $3 – $4 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | $90 – $120 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $3 – $5 |
| Taxi (1 km, Normal Tariff) | $2 – $2 |
| Taxi (1 hour Waiting, Normal Tariff) | $30 – $30 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | $1 – $2 |
Healthcare Costs In Seattle
Over the past decade, Washington State has experienced significant increases in healthcare costs, particularly affecting workers covered by employer-sponsored health insurance. Here’s a structured overview of the current healthcare cost situation according to an article in Seattle Times:
Key Findings from Recent Report:
- Healthcare insurance increased by 49% for employer-covered workers.
- Costs of individual plans more than doubled in 2023.
- Healthcare costs grew at nearly double the rate of inflation prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Over 42% of Washingtonians are insured through the commercial health insurance market.
- Washington has one of the highest coverage rates in the nation, with only 6% of residents uninsured.
- There is also a shortage of government funding as there is underfunding of public health insurance programmes.
- Failure to pay fair shares of medical costs, forcing private insurers to subsidise care.
Education
The Seattle metropolitan area houses nearly half of Washington’s population and is home to many of the state’s leading colleges and universities. This region features diverse educational institutions, including large research universities, midsize colleges, small liberal arts colleges, and art schools. The University of Washington, situated in central Seattle, stands out as one of the oldest public universities on the West Coast. Below is a list of colleges located in the Seattle metro area.
| Name of College | Fee Range (USD) |
| University of Washington | $8,112 – $74,124 |
| Seattle University | $21,588 – $55,980 |
| Seattle Pacific University | $29,712 – $39,060 |
| City University of Seattle | $13,944 – $27,024 |
| The Art Institute of Seattle | $19,080 – $21,960 |
| Seattle Colleges | $6,180 – $13,692 |
| North Seattle Community College | $5,580 – $20,508 |
Scholarships To Save On The Costs Of Living In Seattle
For international and domestic students alike, scholarships can help ease the financial burden, making it possible to pursue higher education without worrying about overwhelming costs. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, graduate, or specialised programmes, there are a variety of scholarships available that cater to different academic levels, backgrounds, and fields of study.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award |
| Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (Govt-funded) | Master’s or PhD applicants from international backgrounds | Covers tuition, J-1 visa, health insurance, airfare, and living costs. Monthly stipend for PhD. |
| Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (Govt-funded) | Mid-career professionals from developing countries, non-degree study | Covers tuition, airfare, living costs, monthly stipend, field trips, and professional expenses. |
| #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Govt) | International undergraduate students, essay/video submission highlighting leadership skills | Renewable scholarships covering 50% of tuition fees. |
| IEFA (Non-Govt) | High school students aged 14-18 with strong academic and extracurricular performance | Awards up to $1,000. |
| AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Govt) | International women pursuing full-time graduate/post-graduate studies in the US | $20,000 for Master’s, $25,000-$50,000 for Graduate/Postdoc, renewable for a second year. |
Entertainment
The cost of entertainment can be a crucial aspect of planning your experience in this dynamic city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, understanding the various expenses associated with entertainment in Seattle can help you make informed decisions and fully immerse yourself in all that this exciting destination has to offer.
| Particulars | Range |
| Fitness Club (1 Adult) | $35 – $100 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour, Weekend) | $40 – $44 |
| Cinema (International Release, 1 Seat) | $14 – $20 |
Student Visa Costs To Move To USA
The process of obtaining a US student visa can be a crucial step for Indian students aspiring to study in the United States. Understanding the different visa types, associated fees, requirements, and documentation needed will streamline your application process. Here’s what you need to know:
- There are three main visa types: F-1 for academic studies, M-1 for vocational training, and J-1 for exchange programmes.
- The visa application fee is $185, payable online to the US Department of State, while the SEVIS fee is approximately $350, paid electronically prior to your visa interview.
- To secure a US student visa, you must be accepted by a SEVP-approved school, demonstrate financial stability, and provide proof of English proficiency.
- Required documents for your visa application include a valid passport, the I-20 form, financial records, academic transcripts, and proof of health insurance.
- Applicants aged 14-79 must attend a visa interview. It’s recommended to apply 3-4 months before your programme starts, as processing times can vary.
Minimum Wage Vs. Living Wage In Seattle
The updated rates of minimum wage in Seattle vary depending on company size and whether employees receive tips or healthcare benefits, with further adjustments set to take place in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming minimum wage structure in Seattle.
- $19.97/hour:
- Applies to most workers in Seattle.
- This rate is for employees at large companies with over 500 workers globally (e.g., McDonald’s, Target, Starbucks).
- Also applies to workers at smaller companies with 500 or fewer employees globally, if they do not receive tips or healthcare benefits.
- $17.25/hour:
- Applies to workers at smaller companies with 500 or fewer employees globally who receive tips or healthcare benefits.
- Workers must still receive a total minimum compensation of $19.97/hour, combining their wage, tips, and the cost of healthcare benefits.
- Regardless of tips or benefits, wages cannot be lower than $17.25/hour.
Future Changes (Effective January 1, 2025):
- All employers, regardless of size, will pay a single minimum wage.
- Customer tips or healthcare benefits will no longer count towards meeting minimum wage obligations.
FAQs
Q1. What is the cost of living in Seattle?
Ans: Seattle, WA has a cost of living that is 36% higher than the state average and 54% higher than the national average. Housing in Seattle, WA is 114% more expensive than the national average, while utilities are about 8% more expensive.
Q2. What are the benefits of living in Seattle?
Ans: The benefits of living in Seattle include excellent career opportunities, there is no state income tax, it is a safe and intellectual city, there is an incredible food scene, and the city is breathtakingly beautiful.
Q3. How do you determine the cost of living in Seattle?
Ans: Simply add up all of your monthly fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, as well as your variable expenses, such as food and gas. Consider one-time but expected purchases, such as new tyres. The resulting amount is your cost of living, assuming you don’t go into debt every month.
Q4. Is Seattle or Vancouver more expensive?
Ans: Overall, the cost of living in Vancouver is more affordable than in Seattle. Consumer prices in Vancouver are 13.4% lower compared to Seattle, excluding rent, and 13.2% lower when rent is included. Rent in Vancouver is also 13.0% cheaper, while grocery prices are 4.7% lower than in Seattle.
Q5. What is a good salary in Seattle?
Ans: The good salary in Seattle is $76,147, with 80% of salaries ranging between $39,150 and $165,300.
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