Cost of Living in Seattle-Bellevue, WA

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Seattle-Bellevue? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Washington levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($2,501/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Seattle-Bellevue metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $32,747, or roughly $2,729 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Seattle-Bellevue metro has a cost of living index of 151.6 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 52% above average, Seattle-Bellevue is a noticeably expensive metro — groceries, services, and everyday purchases cost more than in most of the country.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Seattle-Bellevue represents approximately 43% of gross income. That is well above what most financial advisors recommend, indicating that Seattle-Bellevue is a financial stretch at a $70,000 salary without roommates or a higher-earning household. Washington's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.