Cost of Living in Seattle: Seattle, known as the Emerald City, is a vibrant hub of culture, innovation, and natural beauty. This city is also known for its higher education quality which attracts many international students from around the globe. While the city offers so many amazing benefits, it’s also known for its relatively high cost of living.
If you’re considering moving to Seattle for your higher studies, understanding the costs of living here can help you manage your budget effectively. So, let’s dive in the blog of Cost of Living in Seattle and understand the budget effectively.
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Cost of Living in Seattle: Overview
Understanding the cost of living in Seattle is essential to budget for your monthly expenses. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical cost of living, including accommodation, food, transportation, and more. This can help you plan your finances wisely while adjusting to a new environment. Below you can find an overview of the average cost of living in Seattle for a better understanding.
| Area of Expense | Price Range |
| Rent (shared apartment) | USD 800 – USD 1,200 per person |
| Rent (single room PG) | USD 1,200 – USD 1,800 per month |
| Food (monthly) | USD 200 – USD 400 per month |
| Transportation (monthly) | USD 100 – USD 150 per month |
| Utilities (monthly) | USD 75 – USD 100 per month |
| Wi-Fi (monthly) | USD 50 – USD 100 per month |
| Miscellaneous | USD 100 – USD 200 per month |
| Bus Pass/Metro Pass | USD 50 – USD 100 per month |
Cost of Studying in Seattle
The cost of studying in Seattle offers a range of tuition fees depending on the institution and program. Whether you’re pursuing a UG certificate, an MS, or an MBA, it’s important to consider both tuition and living costs to budget effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the costs of studying at different universities in Seattle.
University of Washington
| Programs | Tuition Cost (Approx.) |
| MS | USD 23,485 – USD 56,197 |
| MBA/PGDM | USD 30,409 – USD 74,746 |
| MIM | USD 30,409 – USD 74,746 |
| B.A. | USD 42,664 – USD 43,891 |
Seattle University
| Programs | Tuition Cost (Approx.) |
| Undergraduate | USD 67,170 per year |
| Online MBA | USD 54,594 |
| Average Cost After Aid | USD 36,671 (after aid) |
Seattle Colleges
| Programs | Tuition Cost (Approx.) |
| UG Certificate | USD 6,025 – USD 13,251 |
| B.E. / B.Tech | USD 10,843 – USD 13,251 |
| BBA | USD 9,638 – USD 10,843 |
Also Read:
- Best Areas to Live in Seattle: Best Suburbs & Neighborhoods
- Top 5 Must-Visit Weekend Getaways from Seattle
Cost of Accommodation in Seattle
Housing is another aspect of the cost of living in Seattle, with costs depending on whether you’re renting or buying. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around USD 2,287.75 per month, while outside the centre, it’s about USD 1,838.46.
For larger families, a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately USD 4,503.81, whereas, outside the centre, it’s USD 3,414.24. Buying property is equally pricey, with prices at USD 7,033.78 per square meter in the city centre and USD 5,400.28 outside. Look at the best places to live in Seattle and manage your expenses accordingly. Below you can find the table to understand the cost of accommodation in Seattle for Students.
| Housing | City Center | Outside City Center |
| 1-Bedroom Rent | USD 2,287.75 | USD 1,838.46 |
| 3-Bedroom Rent | USD 4,503.81 | USD 3,414.24 |
| Buy Price (per sq. meter) | USD 7,033.78 | USD 5,400.28 |
Cost of Food in Seattle
Cost of Food in Seattle offers everything from casual eats to dining experiences. A meal at a modest restaurant in Seattle costs USD 21.18, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range spot is USD 100. Coffee lovers spend about USD 5.26 on a cappuccino, and water costs USD 2.35 per bottle. Dining out often can be costly, so consider balancing between eating out and cooking at home. Below we have provided the table for the cost of Food in Seattle.
| Food & Drinks | Cost |
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | USD 21.18 |
| Three-Course Meal for Two | USD 100.00 |
| McMeal (Fast Food Combo) | USD 13.71 |
| Cappuccino | USD 5.26 |
| Bottle of Water (0.33 L) | USD 2.35 |
| Milk (1 liter) | USD 1.16 |
| Bread (500g) | USD 4.70 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | USD 15.80 |
| Eggs (12) | USD 4.43 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | USD 5.73 |
Cost of Transportation in Seattle
The Transportation options in Seattle include public transit, taxis, and personal vehicles. A one-way ticket on local transit is USD 2.75, while a monthly pass costs USD 99. Taxi fares start at USD 2.60, with an additional USD 1.68 per kilometre. Gasoline averages USD 1.19 per litre. Public transit is a cost-effective option for daily commutes. Find the table below to understand the cost of Transportation in Seattle.
| Transportation | Cost |
| One-Way Ticket (Transit) | USD 2.75 |
| Monthly Pass | USD 99.00 |
| Taxi Start | USD 2.60 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | USD 1.19 |
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Cost of Utilities in Seattle
The cost of Living in Seattle includes Utility bills which are relatively high. For an 85-square-meter apartment, expect to pay USD 224.42 per month for electricity, water, and heating. Internet services with a speed of 60 Mbps and unlimited data cost around USD 75.03 per month. Efficient energy use can help reduce these costs. We have mentioned the cost of utilities in Seattle for better understanding.
| Utilities & Internet | Cost |
| Basic Utilities | USD 224.42 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | USD 75.03 |
Cost of Entertainment in Seattle
The cost of Entertainment in Seattle is diverse and caters to all interests. A gym membership costs USD 66.24 per month, while a tennis court rental is USD 37.00 per hour. Cinema tickets for the latest international releases are priced at USD 15.00. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Seattle’s many free parks and hiking trails. Below you can find the cost of entertainment in Seattle.
| Recreation & Leisure | Cost |
| Gym Membership | USD 66.24 |
| Tennis Court (1 Hour) | USD 37.00 |
| Cinema Ticket | USD15.00 |
Living in Seattle is an enriching experience, but it requires careful financial planning. By understanding the cost of living and making smart choices, you can enjoy everything the Emerald City has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether you’re here to work, study, or explore, Seattle’s charm and opportunities make it worth every penny.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Seattle 2025
Living in Seattle as a student typically costs between USD 1,800 and USD 3,000 per month, excluding tuition. This estimate covers expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials.
Yes, public transportation is cost-effective. A monthly bus or metro pass costs USD 50 to USD 100, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
The cost of living in Seattle has a section of utility bills, which includes electricity, water, and heating, which typically cost USD 75 to USD 100 per month. Adding high-speed internet will increase your expenses by USD 50 to USD 100.
Monthly grocery expenses in Seattle usually range from USD 200 to USD 400. Shopping at stores like Trader Joe’s or local farmer’s markets can help you save money.
Students spend approximately USD 1,500 to USD 2,500 monthly, including rent, food, transportation, and other essentials. Shared housing and public transport help reduce expenses.
Yes, Seattle is more expensive than many U.S. cities due to high housing costs and living standards. However, budgeting wisely can make the cost of living in Seattle manageable.
Explore parks like Discovery Park, Green Lake, and Kerry Park for free. You can also visit local libraries, attend free community events, or enjoy hiking trails nearby.
Tuition costs vary as per the university and program. For example, undergraduate courses at Seattle Colleges cost USD 6,025 to USD 13,251 annually, while programs at the University of Washington range from USD 23,485 to USD 74,746.
Yes, you can save by using public transportation, cooking at home, shopping smartly, and exploring free activities. Budgeting effectively will help you manage costs better.
Health insurance costs range from USD 300 to USD 600 monthly. It’s important to choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.
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