Federal Way, WA vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison
Federal Way has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Federal Way | Seattle | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 124 | 193 | Federal Way |
| Housing | 143 ($1,217) | 262 ($1,399) | Federal Way |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Seattle |
| Food & groceries | 110 ($451) | 163 ($668) | Federal Way |
| Utilities | 122 ($257) | 181 ($472) | Federal Way |
| Healthcare | 122 ($186) | 181 ($341) | Federal Way |
| Median annual wage | 130 ($62,990) | 130 ($62,990) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Federal Way, WA or Seattle, WA cheaper to live in?
Federal Way, WA is cheaper overall by about 69 index points (Federal Way, WA: 124, Seattle, WA: 193; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Federal Way, WA vs Seattle, WA?
A single adult needs roughly $43,400/year in Federal Way, WA and $67,550/year in Seattle, WA to cover basic living costs.