Greater Seattle Area Information

Seattle Chamber of Commerce
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Cost of Living Tables

Quality of Life

Ringed by snow-capped mountain peaks. Crisscrossed by fresh- and salt-waterways. Home to urban centers, small cities and vibrant neighborhoods.

Greater Seattle is an incredible place to live as well to do business.

Seattle's Lake Union

THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA
Seattle is the largest city in the four-county metropolitan area known as the Puget Sound region. The region's other major metropolitan cities are Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett and Bremerton. They are surrounded by a number of growing cities that include Redmond, Kent, Renton, Bothell, Issaquah, and Kirkland. View regional map

CLIMATE
The temperate climate allows residents to enjoy their surroundings year-round. High temperatures in July average 75 degrees, while low temperatures in winter drop below freezing an average of only 15 days per year.

Of course, it does rain in the Puget Sound region—that's why the area's lush vegetation is always a rich green. But it rarely rains heavily. Total average rainfall is 35 inches, less than New York City and Miami.

HOUSING AND COST OF LIVING
The Puget Sound region is a relatively affluent area. Within the four-county area, King County has the highest median household income, projected at $67,338 by the Washington State Office of Financial Management. Second is Snohomish County at $64,582, followed by Kitsap County at $60,719 and Pierce County at $56,789.

Cost of living is generally higher than the U.S. average, but it is in line with other metropolitan centers with comparable income levels.

ARTS, CULTURE, SPORTS AND RECREATION
The rich array of things to do and see is a large part of what makes the Puget Sound region such an attractive place to live and visit. Outdoor activities are especially plentiful given the area's natural beauty and mild climate. Hiking in the Olympic or Cascade Mountains, kayaking in Lake Union, or cycling on one of many rails-to-trails paths are just a few of the options available.

Creativity and having fun with art and culture are driving forces in the region. As a result, residents and visitors enjoy an impressive and eclectic mix of arts-related entertainment options. That includes 34 museums, 30 performing arts centers, and 29 professional theatre companies.

There's plenty for sports fans too. Professional teams include major league baseball and football as well as soccer and hockey. Plus, there's thoroughbred racing, minor league baseball, and college and university teams to cheer on.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
See our additional resources page for more information.