Quick Answer
80,000 is a decent salary in Seattle, placing you above roughly 48% of earners. After taxes (~23.9% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $5,076/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $2,400/month (47% of net income).
Moving to Seattle with a 80k offer? Before you accept, it's worth understanding how local economics will affect your daily life. We've crunched the numbers on housing, food, transport, and entertainment to show you the real picture.
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.
The question of whether 80k is "good" in Seattle often reveals more about expectations than economics. For recent graduates, it might represent an exciting milestone. For experienced professionals, it could feel like a plateau. Context—your career stage, industry, and personal ambitions—shapes perception as much as data does.
Childcare and family costs in Seattle can completely transform salary adequacy. Daycare, school supplies, extracurricular activities, and family healthcare add thousands to annual expenses. Families evaluating 80k should model these costs carefully, as they can consume 20-30% of take-home income in some markets.
Digital nomad and remote work trends have added a new dimension to salary evaluation. If you're earning 80k from a Seattle-based employer but living part-time in lower-cost locations, your effective purchasing power increases substantially. However, tax implications of cross-border work arrangements can be complex.
Inflation trends in Seattle directly impact whether 80k will feel the same in 12 months. Cities experiencing above-average inflation effectively give workers a pay cut each year if salaries don't adjust accordingly. Monitoring local CPI trends helps you anticipate whether your compensation is keeping pace.
The final dimension of salary evaluation is psychological. Research consistently shows that income satisfaction is relative—people compare themselves to peers, neighbors, and media portrayals. Understanding that 80k objectively provides a certain quality of life in Seattle, regardless of what others earn, is key to financial contentment.
Is 80k a good salary in Seattle in 2026?
80k is a decent salary near the middle of the income distribution in Seattle. The local median salary is $82,000, so earning $80,000 puts you at the 48th 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 80k in Seattle?
On a gross salary of $80,000 in United States, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 23.9%. This means roughly $19,088 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $60,912 per year ($5,076 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 80k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 47% of your after-tax income, which is a very high share of income.
How does 80k in Seattle compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 80k in Seattle is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($91,200), London ($77,273), San Francisco ($95,200). 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 80k in Seattle?
On 80k in Seattle, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $5,076 after taxes. With typical expenses of $3,267/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $1,809 per month ($21,708/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.
