Here's how much you need to 'live comfortably' in WA
SEATTLE - A new study reveals Washington residents face some of the highest income requirements in the nation to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in 2025.
According to the analysis by SmartAsset, a single adult in Washington needs an annual pre-tax salary of $109,657.60 — up 2.97% from $106,496 in 2024 — to cover necessities, discretionary spending and savings under the 50/30/20 budget rule.
Keep reading to learn more about the study and how much a working family of four needs to live comfortably in Washington.
WA families face steep income gains
By the numbers:
Working families of four in Washington now need $277,888 per year — nearly 8% higher than the $257,421 estimated in 2024 — to afford housing, groceries, transportation and long-term goals.
Washington ranks seventh nationwide for family-income requirements, reflecting strong demand and limited housing supply across the Seattle metro and beyond.
Regional comparison, trends
Why you should care:
Of the 50 states, Washington’s single-adult income need trails only Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New York, New Jersey and Maryland. For families, it follows behind Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut, California, New Jersey and Colorado.
Nationwide, singles must earn $5,844 more than a year ago, while families need an extra $9,360 to keep pace with rising costs.
Customers in front of the Pike Place Market sign in Seattle, Wash., on July 4, 2024. (SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
What drives Washington’s costs?
What they're saying:
Housing remains the biggest driver.
Seattle’s tight rental and home-buying markets push shelter expenses well above national averages. Combined with higher-than-average transportation and utility costs, local residents feel the budget pinch.
Financial planners suggest residents in high-cost areas take on creative solutions, like downsizing or seeking supplemental income, in order to allocate a recommended 50% of income to needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings.
Featured
Gov. Ferguson signs WA state budget with billions in tax increases into law
While Ferguson publicly disagreed with fellow Democrats on tax packages of $21 billion and $12 billion, he accepted one of around $9 billion.
Methodology for the study
SmartAsset used MIT’s Living Wage Calculator to estimate state-by-state costs for necessities, then applied a 50/30/20 budget framework to project sustainable incomes for singles and families.
Read the full study on SmartAssest's website.
The Source: Information in this story came from a SmartAsset study.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Costco to offer early shopping hours for Executive Members. Here's what to know
Lone survivor of Air India crash reportedly recalls "loud noise" after takeoff
8 people arrested during anti-ICE protest in Seattle
Home of Seattle rapper Macklemore invaded, nanny maced: police
WA deputies arrest teens for pistol-whipping boy, armed robberies
Cyberattack hits supplier to Whole Foods and PCC; could impact store supplies
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.