Salary Needed to Live in Seattle as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $101,317/year to live comfortably in Seattle, WA — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$101,317
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$80,499
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,897
67% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Seattle
| Expense | Seattle | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $402 | $209 | +92% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $66 | $44 | +50% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $42 | $28 | +50% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $69 | $44 | +57% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $246 | $215 | +14% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $64 | $54 | +19% |
| Childcare/After-school | $2,064 | $1,200 | +72% |
| Internet + Phones | $310 | $180 | +72% |
| Children Activities | $430 | $250 | +72% |
| Dining Out | $602 | $350 | +72% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $344 | $200 | +72% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $258 | $150 | +72% |
| Total Monthly | $4,897 | $2,924 | +67% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,897
Target savings (15%):$1,088/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$5,985
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$101,317
Other Household Types in Seattle
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Seattle?
A family with kids needs approximately $101,317/year ($8,443/month gross) to live comfortably in Seattle with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Seattle?
A 3br apartment/house in Seattle costs approximately $402/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Seattle affordable for a family with kids?
Seattle is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 67% more salary than the US median.