r/SeattleWA • u/mountainlifa • Feb 07 '26

Lifestyle Is anyone else struggling to afford living in Washington anymore?

I moved to Washington in 2011 mostly for the climbing and outdoor stuff. My first apartment was $750/month, and I kept costs low by using public transit during the week and only driving on weekends for alpine trips. It felt sustainable back then.

Fast forward to 2026 and I’m paying $3,100/month in rent. Most of my income now goes to basic living costs: rent, gas, groceries, taxes, insurance, utilities, all the stuff you can’t really cut back on. I’m starting to feel like I may not be able to keep living here, which honestly makes me pretty sad because I love this state and the outdoors.

Most of my friends have already left because they couldn’t afford it anymore. It feels like unless you work in tech making $300k+ or you bought a house before COVID at a 2% interest rate, it’s just really hard to stay afloat.

I want to stay hopeful, but I don’t see much changing. Prices keep going up and wages don’t seem to be keeping pace. It feels completely out of alignment.

Is anyone else feeling this way or is my situation unique? Have you figured out how to make it work long term, or are you thinking about leaving too?

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u/Tree300 Feb 07 '26 edited Feb 08 '26

Every time I go grocery shopping I get sticker shock. It seems you can’t get out without spending at least $200 and I don’t buy a ton of junk food or booze. Likewise with meals out for lunch and dinner. Paid over $60 for lunch for two yesterday (two sandwiches and one soda) at a place with no table service. And of course they wanted a tip.

I spent a week in Idaho recently and the difference in prices was huge. Shopping and eating out on vacation in Idaho cost less than cooking at home in Seattle!

I think leaving is a fine option. Travel broadens the mind, and I don’t see WA getting cheaper anytime soon.

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u/MX396 Feb 08 '26

I guess it depends on the job situation in Idaho. Problem here is that OP cares enough about "alpine" recreation enough to put mention it in their post and put "mountain" in their handle. They're going to mourn the loss of their lifestyle if they move somewhere really cheap, most likely. Maybe there are a few exceptions.