Cost of Living in SeaTac, WA
Population 31,143 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of SeaTac's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $76,517 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
SeaTac sits roughly 5 miles west of Renton — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Renton's $631,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in SeaTac
The median home value in SeaTac is $483,200 — 58% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,637/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,517/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 61.3°F and lows of 46.1°F, with about 6.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, SeaTac has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 77 | 78 | 72 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 38 | 38 | 40 | 43 | 49 | 53 | 57 | 57 | 54 | 47 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 5.78 | 3.76 | 4.17 | 3.18 | 1.88 | 1.45 | 0.60 | 0.97 | 1.61 | 3.91 | 6.31 | 5.72 |
| Snow" | 1.8 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in SeaTac, WA?
SeaTac has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.
What is average rent in SeaTac, WA?
The median gross rent in SeaTac is $1,637 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in SeaTac?
The median home value in SeaTac is $483,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in SeaTac?
The median household income in SeaTac is $76,517 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in SeaTac, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in SeaTac is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is SeaTac, WA affordable?
SeaTac is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in SeaTac?
SeaTac has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 46.1°F. Annual precipitation is 39.3". Average annual snowfall is 6.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
SeaTac at a Glance
- Population
- 31,143
- Median Income
- $76,517
- Home Value
- $483,200
- Median Rent
- $1,637/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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