Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Cost of Living & Economic Score

Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan statistical area.

D-
InflationRank Score
60 / 100
Costlier than the U.S. average; moderate income offset.
Metro cost level (RPP)
111.5
11.5% above U.S. (100)
Cost burden
46
0–100 (higher = cheaper)
Income resilience
83
state-level proxy
State context
Washington →
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Cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area run 11.5% above the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 111.5 on a base of 100). That puts Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue on the costlier end of U.S. metros.

For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Washington household — see the Washington state report.

Other Washington metros

Compare to similar-cost metros

Boulder, CO · RPP 110.0 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA · RPP 114.0 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC · RPP 114.0 Anchorage, AK · RPP 109.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 111.5 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 11.5% above the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue an affordable place to live?

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has an InflationRank score of 60/100 (grade D-), reflecting cost of living near the U.S. national average. The metro RPP of 111.5 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.

How does Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compare to other cities for cost of living?

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a cost-of-living index of 111.5 (U.S.=100), 11.5% above the national average. Similar-cost metros include Boulder, CO (RPP 110.0), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (RPP 114.0).

About the InflationRank Score

The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.

Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →