The 2023 all-items, housing-rent, and services indexes were well above the U.S. average, while the utility index was below 100.
What the indexes suggest
High housing and service indexes mean a detailed after-tax budget is more useful than a simple salary percentage.
Regional price parities compare price levels across regions in the same year. An index of 113.0 means the metro’s all-items price level was 13.0% above the U.S. average in the 2023 dataset. The housing-rent index was 151.5, and the utility index was 85.3.
An index-adjusted spending illustration
The following numbers apply Seattle category indexes to 2024 BLS national average spending. This is an illustration of the model, not an estimate of what one specific family must spend.
| Category | Illustrative monthly amount | How to replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,316 | Current rent listings, fees, utilities, insurance, parking |
| Transportation | $1,254 | Your commute, vehicles, insurance quotes, transit and parking |
| Food | $958 | USDA household benchmark plus local receipts |
| Healthcare | $703 | Employer plan premiums, deductibles and expected care |
Transportation and location
Transit access can reduce car needs for some households, but compare housing premiums, commute time, and non-work trips.
Salary research
Use an actual offer to calculate take-home pay under the relevant state and local tax rules. Add the value and cost of employer health coverage, retirement matching, paid leave, commuting, and remote-work flexibility. Then compare the offer with current housing and childcare quotes.
Local quote checklist
- Three realistic housing options near the actual job or routine
- Utility history or seasonal range
- Auto, renters, homeowners, flood, or other relevant insurance quotes
- Childcare and healthcare costs when applicable
- Commute time and full transportation cost
- State and local tax estimate for the household