Seattle is not exactly known for being an affordable city, but this new study from SmartAsset is highlighting just how pricey it can be for families in Rain City. According to this new cost of living data, Seattle is the 8th most expensive city for raising children in the United States.
But don’t let this financial news dissuade you from starting a family (if that’s what you want!) Because back in 2022, Seattle was named the 7th best city in nation to raise children. The study from WalletHub showed that Seattle had a lot to offer families, such as great housing choices, quality schools and healthcare, and many opportunities for “family fun.” So while you might have to adjust your budget, the benefits of raising a child in Seattle are well worth it.
What is the annual cost of raising children in Seattle?
The annual cost of raising a child in the United States includes childcare, additional housing costs, food, transportation, medical costs, and various other necessities. Seattle’s standard annual cost of raising children is $30,781. This figure includes childcare which costs $17,935, and additional housing which costs $4,558. Here is the complete breakdown of costs for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area:
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $30,781
- Food: $2,205
- Childcare: $17,935
- Medical: $1,281
- Housing: $4,558
- Transportation: $2,887
- Civic: $1,380
- Other: $535
What are the other most expensive cities for childcare?
Here are the top 10 most expensive cities for raising children in the U.S.
- Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $37,758
- San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $35,642
- Washington, DC
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $35,554
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $34,415
- Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $32,135
- Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $31,663
- San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $30,829
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $30,781
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $30,463
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Total annual cost of raising a child: $30,231
What methodology was used for these findings?
The MIT Living Wage Calculator data from February 2024 was used for this study by SmartAsset. This data compared the living costs of a household with two working adults and one child to that of a childless household with two working adults in 50 of the largest metro areas in the United States.
You can read the full study from SmartAsset here.