Moving to Seattle, WA

Thinking about moving to Seattle, WA? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 122 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $2,350/month, summers average 60°F, and Washington has a top income tax rate of 7%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Seattle.

Cost of living
122
Typical 2BR rent
$2,350/mo
Avg summer high
60°F
Avg winter low
46°F

Cost of living in Seattle

Seattle's cost-of-living index is 122 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $2,350 per month. Washington levies a top income tax rate of 7% and an average combined sales tax of 9.38%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.

Climate and best time to move

Expect average summer highs near 60°F, winter lows around 46°F, and about 39.3 inches of precipitation a year in Seattle. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.

Setting up utilities in Seattle

Line up your utilities before move day. In the Seattle–Tacoma area that typically means Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Public Utilities. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Seattle expensive to live in?
Seattle has a cost-of-living index of 122 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $2,350/month.
What's the weather like in Seattle?
Summer highs average 60°F, winter lows about 46°F, with roughly 39.3 inches of annual precipitation.
When is the best time to move to Seattle?
Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.

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Sources

  • MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15