Cambridge, MA vs Seattle, WA Cost of Living (2026)

Seattle has a cost of living index of 144.5, about 44.5% above the national average. Housing is a major driver here, with a housing index of 203.6. Typical apartment rent is about $2,970 a month, and median home values are around $1,119,686. The median household income is approximately $94,000.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $69,200 worth of lifestyle in Seattle. That usually means smaller apartments, tighter savings margins, or a longer commute if you want to keep housing costs in check. Outside housing, transportation and miscellaneous costs also run above the national baseline.

Transportation in Seattle is moderately expensive. The city has expanded its light rail network significantly, and residents in neighborhoods along the Link Light Rail corridor can live without a car. That said, most parts of the metro area still require one, and traffic on key corridors like I-5 and I-90 is among the worst in the country during peak hours. Groceries run about 15% above the national average, and healthcare costs are also slightly elevated.

One practical cost consideration: Seattle's rental market has softened from its 2021 peak but remains tight. New apartment construction has added supply, which has moderated prices slightly in some neighborhoods, particularly those farther from downtown. Renters who are flexible on neighborhood and willing to live a few miles from the city center can find meaningfully better value than those who focus on Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, or Belltown.