Seattle, WA variant. This is a Seattle, WA-specific version of the Home Affordability Calculator, using pre-defined local figures (tax rates, median home and income values, and typical regional costs). For the full formula, methodology, and FAQ, open the main Home Affordability Calculator.
Affording a home in Seattle pits the $116,068 median income against a $855,000 median price - a price-to-income ratio of 7.4x.
Can you afford Seattle?
The 28% rule caps housing at $2,708/month on the local median income, supporting roughly $535,594 in price - versus the $855,000 Seattle median.
Seattle is a stretch on the median income; many buyers need higher earnings, more down, or co-borrowers.
About Seattle, WA
Seattle residents pay no state or city income tax, since Washington does not impose a personal income tax on wages.
Seattle is a high-cost housing market, with home prices and rents pushed up by strong technology-driven demand.
Seattle's economy is anchored by major technology and e-commerce companies, along with aerospace and global trade.
Worked example: max price on $116,068
28% of $116,068 ÷ 12 ≈ $2,708/month supports about $535,594 at 6.5% with 20% down - compared with the $855,000 median.
Quick reference
- Median home value: $855,000
- Median rent: $2,350/mo
- Median household income: $116,068
- Local sales tax: 10.35%
- Effective property tax rate: 0.84%
- Cost of living index: 152 (US avg = 100)
Frequently Asked Questions
What income do I need to buy in Seattle?
To afford the $855,000 median home, you'd typically need well above the $116,068 local median income at current rates.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Seattle?
About 7.4x (median home ÷ median income).