Quick Answer
120,000 is a strong salary in Seattle, placing you above roughly 78% of earners. After taxes (~25.9% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $7,410/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,400/month (32% of net income).
How does 120k stack up in Seattle? The answer isn't as simple as checking a cost-of-living index. Your industry, household size, neighborhood choices, and spending habits all play a role. This detailed analysis covers every angle to help you evaluate this salary level.
Seattle (pop. 740k) is moderately expensive compared to global metros, with a cost of living index of 88 (NYC = 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,400/month and a monthly transit pass costs $110. It's considered a top-tier global tech hub with a tech score of 9/10.
Understanding salary adequacy in Seattle starts with the basics: how much of 120k do you actually take home? After federal and local taxes, social security contributions, and any mandatory deductions, the net figure is what determines your daily life. In United States, the gap between gross and net can be surprisingly wide depending on your tax bracket.
The dining and entertainment landscape in Seattle also reflects in your salary's spending power. A city where a casual dinner costs $15 is very different from one where the same meal runs $45. These seemingly small differences compound over a year and significantly affect how comfortable 120k feels in daily life.
Healthcare costs vary widely by country and can dramatically affect salary evaluation. In countries with universal healthcare, 120k goes further because medical expenses are largely covered. In markets where health insurance is employer-provided or out-of-pocket, the true value of your salary depends heavily on your benefits package.
Education costs—whether for yourself or dependents—are another factor that shapes salary adequacy in Seattle. International school fees, university costs, and professional development expenses all come into play when evaluating whether 120k supports your full lifestyle needs.
Finally, consider the savings potential at 120k in Seattle. After covering all essential and discretionary expenses, how much can you realistically put aside each month? The ability to build financial security—whether through savings, investment, or property ownership—is ultimately what separates a "good" salary from merely an "adequate" one.
Is 120k a good salary in Seattle in 2026?
120k is an above-average salary, placing you above roughly 78% of earners in Seattle. The local median salary is $82,000, so earning $120,000 puts you at the 78th percentile. After accounting for housing (average $2,400/month for a 1-bedroom), taxes, and daily costs, this salary allows for meaningful monthly savings.
How much tax will I pay on 120k in Seattle?
On a gross salary of $120,000 in United States, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 25.9%. This means roughly $31,077 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $88,923 per year ($7,410 per month). The exact amount may vary based on deductions, filing status, and local levies.
What is the average rent in Seattle in 2026?
As of 2026, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Seattle is approximately $2,400 per month, while a 2-bedroom averages around $3,400 per month. On a 120k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 32% of your after-tax income, which is a significant portion of income.
How does 120k in Seattle compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 120k in Seattle is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($136,800), London ($115,909), San Francisco ($142,800). Seattle has a purchasing power index of 105 (NYC = 100), meaning your money goes further than in New York.
What is the cost of living in Seattle in 2026?
Seattle has a cost of living index of 88 (where New York = 100), making it a moderately expensive city. Key monthly costs include: rent ($2,400 for 1BR), groceries (~$405), transport ($110), and utilities (~$132). Total monthly expenses for a single professional average around $3,267 before discretionary spending.
Can I save money on 120k in Seattle?
On 120k in Seattle, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $7,410 after taxes. With typical expenses of $3,267/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $4,143 per month ($49,716/year). This provides solid room for building an emergency fund and investing.
Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.
Disclaimer: This page uses market data and cost-of-living sources for guidance. All figures and advice are estimates, not guarantees. Local conditions and personal circumstances may vary.
