Salary Needed to Live in Seattle as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $46,367/year to live comfortably in Seattle, WA — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$46,367
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$38,745
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,357
62% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Seattle
| Expense | Seattle | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $263 | $137 | +92% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $40 | $27 | +48% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $28 | $19 | +47% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $55 | $35 | +57% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $246 | $215 | +14% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $64 | $54 | +19% |
| Internet | $112 | $65 | +72% |
| Phone (×2) | $241 | $140 | +72% |
| Dining & Social | $774 | $450 | +72% |
| Entertainment | $310 | $180 | +72% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $224 | $130 | +72% |
| Total Monthly | $2,357 | $1,452 | +62% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,357
Target savings (12%):$385/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,742
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$46,367
Other Household Types in Seattle
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Seattle?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $46,367/year ($3,864/month gross) to live comfortably in Seattle with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Seattle?
A 1-2br apartment in Seattle costs approximately $263/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Seattle affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Seattle is above the national average for couple (no kids) living costs, requiring 62% more salary than the US median.