Is Seattle expensive to live in?
Median income: $105,391. Median rent: $1,801. Median home price: $767,500.
Relocation guide · Washington
Moving to Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA city guide. Population is 726,054. Median household income is $105,391. Median rent is $1,801.
Median Rent
$1,801/mo
Median Income
$105,391
State Tax
None
Population
726,054
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Seattle
Median income: $105,391. Median rent: $1,801. Median home price: $767,500.
Median Rent/mo
$1,801
Median Home Price
$767,500
Median Income
$105,391
Rent-to-Income
21%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Washington
State tax rate: 0%. Local tax rate: 0%.
State Income Tax
None
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate
Weather in Seattle
Average high: 49.82°F. Average low: 46.72°F. Annual rainfall: 0 inches. Sunny days: 0.
Avg High Temp
49.82°F
Avg Low Temp
46.72°F
Sunny Days/yr
0
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Seattle
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Seattle with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Seattle
What is the average rent in Seattle?
The median rent in Seattle is $1,801/month. Median home price is $767,500. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 0%. Local tax rate: 0%.
What is Seattle known for?
Seattle, WA city guide. Population is 726,054. Median household income is $105,391. Median rent is $1,801.
What should I know before moving to Seattle?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Seattle has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.