Moving to Seattle means joining a city known for its tech industry, stunning natural beauty, coffee culture, and yes—the rain. Whether you're relocating for Amazon, Microsoft, a startup, or just the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, this guide covers everything you need to make your move successful.
Before You Move: Planning
1. Set Your Budget
Seattle is expensive, but more affordable than San Francisco or New York. Know your numbers:
- Income requirement: Most landlords require 2.5-3x monthly rent in income. For a $2,000/month apartment, you need $60,000-$72,000 annual income.
- Upfront costs: First month + security deposit = $4,000-$6,000 typical. No broker fees!
- Cost of living: ~15-20% higher than national average, but no state income tax helps.
No State Income Tax!
Washington has no state income tax, which can save you thousands annually compared to California or New York. Factor this into your budget calculations.
2. Choose Your Neighborhood
Capitol Hill
Most vibrant, LGBTQ+ friendly, nightlife central. Studios from $2,000. Light Rail access.
Ballard
Trendy, breweries, waterfront. Studios from $1,800. Great for young professionals.
South Lake Union
Tech hub, Amazon campus, modern. Studios from $2,400. Convenient for tech workers.
Columbia City / Beacon Hill
Most affordable with Light Rail. Diverse, great food. Studios from $1,200.
See our complete neighborhood guide by budget →
3. Gather Documents Early
Seattle rental applications are straightforward. Have these ready:
- Government ID
- Proof of income (pay stubs, offer letter, or bank statements)
- Rental history / landlord references
- Application fee (~$40-50 typical)
- Co-signer documents (if needed)
Finding an Apartment from Out of Town
Option 1: Visit in Person (Recommended)
If possible, plan a trip to Seattle:
- Book 3-5 days dedicated to apartment hunting
- Schedule viewings in advance—many buildings have leasing offices
- Explore neighborhoods in person
- Be prepared to apply same-day for places you like
Option 2: Remote Search
Many Seattle apartments can be rented remotely:
- Large apartment buildings often have virtual tours and online applications
- Use Zillow, Apartments.com, and building websites
- Request video walk-throughs for smaller properties
- Research the building thoroughly before committing
Scam Warning
Remote apartment hunting has scam risk. Never send money without verifying the landlord. Learn how to avoid scams →
Research Buildings Before You Arrive
Search any Seattle address to see building information and RRIO status—so you can vet listings before your trip.
Search BuildingsTrue Cost of Moving to Seattle
Move-In Cost Calculator (for $2,000/month apt)
The Weather Reality
Seattle Weather Truth
- • Seattle gets less annual rainfall than New York, Miami, or Houston
- • But it's cloudy and drizzly for ~200 days/year (October-May)
- • Summers (June-September) are absolutely gorgeous—70s, sunny, dry
- • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real—many residents use light therapy
- • A good rain jacket matters more than an umbrella (the rain is light)
Do You Need a Car?
It Depends on Where You Live
- Car-free friendly: Capitol Hill, Downtown, Belltown, U-District, Columbia City (Light Rail)
- Car helpful: Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne, West Seattle
- Car recommended: North Seattle suburbs, Eastside
- Parking costs: $100-300/month in urban areas; many buildings don't include it
- Light Rail: Expanding rapidly—check if your neighborhood has access
Relocation Timeline
Months Before
Set budget, research neighborhoods, gather documents, start browsing listings
Weeks Before
Plan apartment hunting trip (if visiting), schedule viewings, arrange temporary housing if needed
Weeks Before
View apartments, submit applications, secure your place
Week Before
Sign lease, arrange movers, set up utilities, change address
After You Move
First Week Checklist
- Set up utilities (Seattle City Light for electric, PSE for gas)
- Get internet installed (Xfinity, CenturyLink, Wave are common)
- Download transit apps (One Bus Away, Transit app)
- Get an ORCA card for public transit
- Take photos of apartment condition (important for deposit!)
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
First Month
- Get a Washington State ID/driver's license (within 30 days if driving)
- Register your car (if applicable)
- Register to vote
- Find a doctor and dentist
- Get renters insurance
- Explore the city—hit Pike Place, take a ferry, visit a park
Tips from Seattle Locals
Coffee Culture is Real
Seattle invented Starbucks but locals prefer independent roasters. Try Victrola, Elm, Slate, or Milstead.
Get Outside
The outdoors are why people live here. Hiking, skiing, kayaking—it's all within an hour. On sunny days, drop everything and go.
Embrace the Grey
Don't wait for good weather to do things. If you only go out when it's sunny, you'll be inside from October to May.
Welcome to Seattle! You're joining a city with incredible natural beauty, a thriving job market, and some of the best food in the Pacific Northwest. Yes, it rains—but you'll get used to it. ☔🌲