Seattle Money Calculators
18 free calculators built on Seattle's own tax, housing and insurance rules — each with the reasoning explained.
Seattle at a glance
| State and local income tax | None on wages (capital gains tax on large gains) |
|---|---|
| Take-home on $100,000 (single, no deductions) | $77,793 |
| Property tax | King County combines every levy that covers an address into one rate per $1,000 of assessed value; Seattle's has been roughly $8 to $9 in recent years. |
| Government closing taxes on a $500,000 purchase (buyer + seller) | $8,000 |
| Transit | Sound Transit / King County Metro: about $108 a month |
| Auto insurance minimum | Liability 25/50/10 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident bodily injury; $10,000 property damage). PIP must be offered. |
Income taxes in Seattle
Washington does not tax wages, so Seattle paychecks show federal income tax and FICA plus two small state premiums. The state does tax long-term capital gains above a standard deduction at 7% (9.9% on taxable gains above $1 million), and it enacted a 9.9% tax on household income over $1 million that is scheduled to start in 2028.
Washington paychecks include the Paid Family and Medical Leave premium (1.13% total in 2026, of which employees pay 71.43%) and the WA Cares long-term care premium of 0.58% of wages, unless you hold an approved exemption.
Housing: renting and buying
Seattle's housing costs are driven by the tech job market. Capitol Hill, Ballard, Fremont, Beacon Hill, Columbia City and West Seattle offer different price points, and many buyers look to Shoreline or Renton for lower prices.
King County combines every levy that covers an address into one rate per $1,000 of assessed value; Seattle's has been roughly $8 to $9 in recent years. Washington has no general homestead exemption, though seniors and people with disabilities under income limits can qualify for exemptions.
Closing costs and transfer taxes
Washington's real estate excise tax (REET) is graduated: 1.1% up to $525,000, 1.28% to $1,525,000, 2.75% to $3,025,000 and 3% above for 2023–2026, plus Seattle's 0.5% local REET. The seller customarily pays it.
Getting around
Sound Transit's Link light rail and King County Metro buses use the ORCA card, and a monthly PugetPass covers most trips. Parking is expensive downtown and in dense neighborhoods, and SR 520 and SR 99 tunnel tolls apply to some commutes.
Insurance and everyday costs
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage. Seattle's premiums are moderate for a big city but rise with car break-in and theft rates in some neighborhoods.
Seattle childcare is among the most expensive in the country. Washington's Working Connections Child Care program helps eligible families, and the Seattle Preschool Program offers tuition support for three- and four-year-olds.
Seattle's high sales tax (10.55%) and rent offset part of the no-income-tax advantage, but high average wages keep take-home pay strong.
How to use the Seattle calculators
Every tool below uses Seattle's own rules — the Washington tax engine for paychecks, the King County Assessor's method for property tax, and local transfer taxes for closing costs. Start with the paycheck calculator to see real take-home pay, then use the housing tools to test rents or home prices against it. Each result comes with a Reasoning box that explains which rule mattered most.
Income & Taxes
Housing & Real Estate
Insurance & Everyday Costs
Seattle Special Tools
Frequently asked questions
Does Seattle have a city income tax?
No. Seattle does not levy a personal income tax; see the paycheck calculator for state taxes.
How much is take-home pay on $100,000 in Seattle?
About $77,793 a year for a single filer with no pre-tax deductions, based on 2026 rules.
Where do the Seattle numbers come from?
Tax rates and rules come from official sources such as the IRS, the Washington Department of Revenue and the King County Assessor. Cost estimates such as typical rent are Rate and Reason starting points that you can replace with your own numbers.