Is $150,000 Enough to Live Comfortably in Seattle?

Seattle is known for its thriving tech scene, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. However, it's also notorious for its high cost of living. With soaring housing prices, expensive childcare, and costly transportation, many wonder if even a six-figure salary is sufficient to live comfortably in the Emerald City.

How Much You Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in Seattle

According to locals, the salary needed to live comfortably in Seattle varies widely depending on lifestyle and family size.

For a single person, estimates range from $100,000 to $150,000 per year to afford living in the city, owning a car, saving for retirement, and enjoying occasional luxuries like shopping at Whole Foods and taking vacations.

For a family with kids who own a home, that figure jumps to around $250,000.

Data from MIT's Living Wage Calculator suggests that in 2024, the living wage for a single adult with no children working full-time in the Seattle metro area is about $57,000 annually.

However, this covers only basic necessities and doesn't account for savings, discretionary spending, or home ownership.

ZipRecruiter estimates the average salary in Seattle is currently $76,000, while the median household income was $115,400 in 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

This suggests that while it's possible to get by on less, a salary closer to $150,000 provides a more comfortable standard of living.

The Reality of a Six-Figure Salary in Seattle's Economy

For some additional perspectives, a Seattle aerospace worker with 8 years of experience reported making $132,000 and feeling it wasn't a lot compared to tech industry neighbors.

A registered nurse with under 1 year of experience makes $80,000 and expects to break six figures within a couple of years.

Ultimately, whether $150,000 is "enough" comes down to individual circumstances. Housing costs are the biggest factor, with rents rising rapidly and home prices exceeding $1 million in many areas.

A salary of $150,000 puts buying a home out of reach for most and means a substantial portion of income going to rent or mortgage.

Childcare is another major expense, as are student loans for some. Substantial retirement savings on top of covering high living costs can also be challenging at this income level.

Budgeting for Life in Seattle: Tips for Managing High Expenses

However, with budgeting and depending on neighborhood, family size, and spending habits, $150,000 can provide a relatively comfortable middle-class lifestyle for a single person or couple in Seattle.

But for high earners in the city's booming industries, it may feel like just scraping by.