Quality of Life in Seattle, WA on a $124,380 Salary

Living in Seattle, WA with a salary of $124,380 per year provides a unique quality of life compared to many other places in the United States. Below, we explore different aspects including cost of living, housing market, general quality of life, healthcare access, and the quality of K-12 schools.

Cost of Living

• Overall Cost: Seattle's cost of living is notably higher than the national average. Housing is a primary contributor to this, along with transportation and food.
• Expenses Breakdown:
  • Transportation: Costs are approximately 30% higher than the national average.
  • Food and Groceries: Prices for groceries can be about 20% above the U.S. average.
  • Utilities: Slightly higher utility costs compared to the national average.

Housing Market

• Home Prices:
  • Median home prices in Seattle are significantly higher than the national median. As of recent trends, the median price can hover around $800,000.
  • Renting can be equally expensive, with average rent prices for a one-bedroom apartment exceeding $2,000 per month.
• Affordability:
  • The housing affordability index is below the national level, indicating that Seattle homes may be less affordable for the average household.

Quality of Life

• Cultural Scene:
  • Seattle is rich in culture with a vibrant arts scene, music history, and numerous theaters and galleries.
• Outdoor Activities:
  • Access to natural beauty and outdoor activities is exceptional, with mountains, water bodies, and parks nearby.
• Public Transportation:
  • Seattle offers a relatively robust public transport system including buses, the Light Rail, and various ridesharing options.

Access to Healthcare

• Healthcare Quality:
  • Seattle is home to several top-rated medical facilities and hospitals, contributing to high-quality healthcare services.
• Healthcare Costs:
  • Healthcare costs here can be higher than the national average, impacting overall affordability for some residents.

Quality of K-12 Schools

• Public Schools:
  • Many Seattle public schools are highly rated with strong academic performance and extracurricular offerings.
• Educational Options:
  • Aside from public schools, there are numerous private and charter school options, providing a variety of educational environments.

Assessment