Which US City Fits You?

Living in Seattle: cost, climate, Chinese community & taxes

Seattle at a glance for newcomers — every number is from an official source.

Metro area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

See if it fits you — take the 1-minute quiz →
PriceyHigh rentExpensive homesIncomes go farBig Chinese communityGood transitHighly educatedTech & engineering hubMild summersNo state income tax

💰 Money

Cost of living (US = 100)
111.1 (above average)
Median rent
$2,050/mo
Median home value
$743k
Median household income
$112k

🌤️ Climate

January average
42.8°F 6°C
July average high
77.4°F 25°C
Rain + snow (water) per year
39.34 in
Days ≥ 90°F / ≤ 32°F
4 / 25 days/yr

NOAA station: Sea-Tac (USW00024233), 1991–2020

🥟 People & community

Population
4.1M
Chinese / Taiwanese
4.0% ~166k
Asian
17.7%
Bachelor’s degree+ (adults)
48.5%
Computer / engineering / science jobs
15.0%

🚇 Getting around

Commute by transit
6.3%
Drive alone to work
60.3%
Work from home
18.5%
Average commute
30 min

🧾 Taxes

State income tax (top rate)
None WA
Sales tax (state + avg. local)
9.57%

✈️ Flights to China

Nonstop from SEA to Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing

Delta · Hainan Airlines

💼 Compare job offers after tax →🏥 Chinese-speaking doctors, lawyers & schools →
Sources

Other metros