Living in Seattle, WA
Seattle is the 18th-largest city in the US, home to about 785,000 people in 2025. It has grown 6.5% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (111.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 784,777+6.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $938,6007.6 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,030/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $123,860median, per year
- Price level
- 111.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 47° / 77°lows 37° / 57°
- Average commute
- 26 min35% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: King County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 184 ft
Metro area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Cost of living in Seattle
The median home in Seattle is worth $938,600 and the median household earns $123,860 a year, so a typical home costs about 7.6 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,030 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area at 111.1, with housing at 151.3 and goods at 104.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $83,300 here. Washington has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Washington is 9.57%.
What would my salary be worth in Seattle?
Seattle weather
Average highs run from 47°F in January to 76°F in July, and January nights average 37°F. It gets 38 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 4 inches of snow. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Seattle
People and work
The median resident is 35.6 years old, and 68% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 44% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 26 minutes; 35% of workers work from home and 12% take public transit.
- Median age
- 35.6217th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 68%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 44%of households
- People per sq mile
- 9,34384.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 12%8% walk, 2.5% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 9.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1976median year
Who moves to Seattle, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), San Jose (Santa Clara County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and San Jose (Santa Clara County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for King County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, earthquake, avalanche, heat wave.
Home prices
+0.3% in a year
Up 25% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Seattle-Bellevue-Kent, WA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
56% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Seattle
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Washington has no state income tax on wages.
- Data 12% of workers take public transit, so living without a car is realistic.
- Data A highly educated city: 68% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Homes are expensive for local pay: the median home costs 7.6 years of median household income.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 11% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data Sales tax is high: 9.57% on average with local taxes.
- Data High natural hazard risk in King County (FEMA rates it very high), led by inland flooding, earthquake and avalanche.
Seattle report card from locals
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Cities near Seattle
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, WA | 8 mi | 154,193 | $1,340,300 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Kirkland, WA | 8 mi | 97,410 | $1,115,400 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Redmond, WA | 11 mi | 82,506 | $1,167,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Renton, WA | 12 mi | 104,975 | $672,600 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Kent, WA | 17 mi | 134,871 | $587,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
| Federal Way, WA | 20 mi | 99,729 | $552,800 | 111.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Snoqualmie, Cottage Lake and Mill Creek East lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Seattle.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Seattle with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Seattle a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population, no state income tax on wages; the trade-offs are high prices, expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Seattle side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Seattle?
The Census Bureau estimates Seattle had 784,777 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 737,103 in April 2020 (+6.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Seattle?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $83,300 in the Seattle area. The median household here earns $123,860.
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 76°F and January 47°F for daytime highs.
What county is Seattle in?
Seattle is in King County, Washington. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Seattle in?
Seattle is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Seattle?
About 184 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Seattle. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Seattle Sand Pt WSFO, WA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.