Is Seattle expensive to live in?
With the stunning natural landscapes, booming tech industry, and a colorful culture, Seattle is an object of attraction for many. But before you start packing your bags to finally shift to the Emerald City, you need to know how much it'll cost you to live there. So, will it cost a lot of money to live in Seattle? Let's investigate the issue up close.
High Housing Costs
Some of the highest costs of living in Seattle are housing. The median home value in Seattle stands at $769,000, more than twice the national average of $348,079. Renting is as high: on average, a one-bedroom apartment goes at $2,233 per month in Seattle compared to the national going rate of $1,967.
Costly Groceries and Gas / Transportation
Grocery prices and transport on average in the city are also expensive compared to other cities. It is noted that groceries tend to be priced higher in Seattle than Manhattan. Transportation is costly in both public modes and private ownership in Seattle.
Cost of Living
Reportedly, Seattle ranks among the 9th most expensive place to live, basing on the analysis of 269 urban areas in the country. The city's overall cost of living index is 145.7, while the national one holds at 100. It means that, in average, being a Seattleite means paying more for each single commodity and service used in daily life than it is considered acceptable: this is the reason why life in the city is less affordable.
Most Seattle residents manage to find a way to save money in one respect or another in order to settle in an already expensive city. Some may choose shared housing options or rental apartments located further from the city center. Others just decide on strict budgeting and looking for relatively cheap ways to entertain themselves. And at last, one can also mention such services as Seattle House Cleaning Services that can relieve some of the stresses and time pressure of keeping a house in the city.
Despite the fact that Seattle is undoubtedly costly to reside in, most of its living residents claim that the unique beauty, culture, and fantastic job market are all worth the price. Life in Seattle could really be hacked due to a person's priorities and financial means.