Cost of Living in Seattle
Retiring in Seattle presents a unique financial challenge. With a Cost of Living Index of 202 (National Avg: 100), every $1,000 in retirement income effectively feels like $495 in local buying power. This "Inflation Gap" is the primary reason we raised your recommended portfolio target to maintain a standard quality of life.
Tax Considerations
Tax efficiency is critical in Washington. While Social Security may be tax-free, the real factor is Seattle's property tax rate of 0.93%. For a retiree owning a median-priced home ($850,000), this creates a fixed annual expense of roughly $7,905 that must be covered by your guaranteed income sources.
See our Income Tax Calculator for a detailed breakdown →
Housing Strategy
Your biggest asset may be your home. With Seattle home values averaging $850,000 (balanced), "Rightsizing" your housing—moving to a lower-cost area or a smaller unit—could immediately unlock equity to bridge your $1530k projected gap.
Check the Refinance Calculator to see equity options →
Methodology
National Standard Goal ($1.5M) assumes a 4% withdrawal rate over 30 years in a median US city (COL Index 100). Target Goal for Seattle is adjusted using the latest 2025 Cost of Living Index (202) and local tax burden estimates. Projections assume a conservative 6% annual growth rate and do not account for extreme market volatility.
Data Sources
- Social Security Administration (SSA.gov): Baseline assumptions for life expectancy (Actuarial Life Table) and full retirement age logic.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov): Historical CPI data used for inflation-adjustment benchmarks.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov): Contribution limits and tax bracket reference for 2024-2025.
Tools & Data Verified by the EverydayCalculators Financial Research Team.
Last updated: December 2025.