Cost of Living in Seattle, WA

Population: 741,440 • 2026 Data

$121,984
Median Household Income
+58% vs national
$1,998
Median Monthly Rent
+48% vs national
$912,100
Median Home Value
+169% vs national
4.2%
Unemployment Rate

Housing in Seattle

The median home value in Seattle, WA is $912,100. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,998, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,220.

Rent-to-income ratio: 19.7%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.

Income and Employment

The median household income in Seattle, WA is $121,984. The unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, with a labor force of 480,209 people.

Data Sources

All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.

Verify at data.census.gov