Build your monthly budget for Seattle. The calculator is pre-filled with realistic local expenses, including $2,200 average rent, so you can see your savings rate against the 50/30/20 rule.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Seattle has a cost-of-living index of 151 (US average = 100). Housing is usually the largest line item, with average 1-bedroom rent near $2,200/month. The estimates below are pre-filled in the calculator and scaled to local costs.
| Expense Category | Typical Seattle Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom rent) | $2,200/month |
| Food (single person) | $475/month |
| Transportation | $575/month |
| Utilities & Internet | $190/month |
| Healthcare & Insurance | $320/month |
| Personal & Entertainment | $250/month |
| Recommended Savings | 15%+ of gross income |
| Emergency Fund Target | 3 to 6 months of expenses |
Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, home to Amazon and Microsoft (nearby), a major cloud-computing and technology cluster, aerospace ties to Boeing, the Port of Seattle, global health philanthropy, and a strong coffee and retail heritage.
| Local Metric | Seattle (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 750,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | King County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 151 |
| Regional living wage, single adult | $27.00/hour |
| Regional living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $52.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $20.29/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $2,200/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $2,900/month |
| Median home price | $850,000 |
| Median household income | $116,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 10.35% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.92% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
With a cost-of-living index of 151 (US average = 100) and average 1-bedroom rent near $2,200/month, a single adult in Seattle typically needs take-home pay of at least $7,550/month to cover needs and save. The regional living wage for a single adult is about $27.00/hour.
Split after-tax income into 50% needs (housing, food, utilities, transport, minimum debt), 30% wants, and 20% savings and extra debt payoff. In a high-cost city like Seattle, the needs share often runs above 50%, so protect the 20% savings target.
Average rent in Seattle is about $2,200 for a 1-bedroom and $2,900 for a 2-bedroom. A common guideline keeps rent under 30% of gross income, though that is difficult in higher-cost metros.
Based on the local cost-of-living index, typical monthly expenses in Seattle run around $2,200 housing, $475 food, $575 transportation, and $190 utilities for a single person. The calculator is pre-filled with these estimates.
Aim for three to six months of essential expenses. In Seattle, with monthly needs around $3,760, that is roughly $11,280 to $22,560.