Seattle cost of living compared to Texas

[Jalhop]

Originally Posted by texastrigirl

In our experience the big differences in cost of living are ... groceries (but mitigated by Trader Joe's).

I second that. Life wouldn't be as nicely cheap without a Trader Joe's!

For the somewhat frugal, a salary of $70K is still a good life in the close-in Seattle area, albeit you might not have anything left over. On $130K with no kids you'd be able to save for the future if you don't splurge too much.

[gwix98]

My wife and I live out in the suburbs, but know plenty of people living in the downtown area.
No kids, no childcare, and no car payments will make a very large difference. We make income
in the low six figures, and have plenty of extra to save, which I consider critical as we age.
However, eating out frequently, and raiding the cash machine often can really make a huge
difference. If you can avoid some of that you will do just fine. Cut out one car, and it will even be
easier. While Seattle's public transit system is not spectacular, it too can help you.

[umeasauri]

texastrigirl:

How do you like living in Seattle? as you have also lived in Dallas, was it hard for you to adapt? I love Dallas but we have no scenery or natural scenery so I am really looking forward to a new landscape.

U.

[texastrigirl]

I love it here! It was a hard first year adjusting to being away from friends, TexMex and not seeing as much sun but after about 18 months, I was hooked. We turned down several opportunities to go back because we just can't fathom living without the natural beauty now. We love to ski, boat, sail, hike, kayak, etc. Rain or shine, we go! Dealing with the weather is in your attitude...much like it is with the TX heat.

[umeasauri]

Thanks (texastrigirl) it is nice to hear from someone that has lived now in both places, thanks again for your thoughts.

u.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

I can't imagine anyone struggling anywhere on $135,000/year.

Mostly true (not Manhattan), but then it won't get you what it did in Texas. Here in Sammamish that's the median income. On Mercer Island it's closer to $160,000, but Seattle is only about $50,000 but there is more of a spread from highest to lowest.

[seattlecoming]

Originally Posted by texastrigirl

I love it here! It was a hard first year adjusting to being away from friends, TexMex and not seeing as much sun but after about 18 months, I was hooked. We turned down several opportunities to go back because we just can't fathom living without the natural beauty now. We love to ski, boat, sail, hike, kayak, etc. Rain or shine, we go! Dealing with the weather is in your attitude...much like it is with the TX heat.

Same with me. I came here from the Phoenix area and found it a little hard at 1st being in a strange area away from my family, but I learned to adjust rather quickly. Only thing I miss about Phoenix is my family but I hated just about everything else there- the heat, the low wages, lack of educated people, sloppy dress, and other things. But even the chilly cloudy weather we had into much of June and July didn't bother me- I considered it heaven compared to Phoenix where they were roasting in 110-115 degrees nearly all summer. I finally had a chance this summer to get out and explore the lakes, mountains, and forests around Washington. Living and working in a highly-regarded world-class city and so much natural beauty within close proximity is what attracted me to Seattle area and I have not been disappointed yet.

[mrman78]

Originally Posted by Jalhop

For the somewhat frugal, a salary of $70K is still a good life in the close-in Seattle area, albeit you might not have anything left over. On $130K with no kids you'd be able to save for the future if you don't splurge too much.

I think it depends on if you are single or married and have kids. Cost of Living is very relative to a particular situation. On $70K, I'd be living like a king. I make just over $50K in Houston and have everything I need and save tons a month. I lived in Hawaii for four years and probably wasn't making more than $20K a year when I was a student and was perfectly comfortable. I think it's all your perspective and how you spend your money. I hope to find a similar job and make at least $50K in Seattle when I move there next year and feel I will be very comfortable.