I moved here not too long ago so this is helpful. I was very surprised to find out electricity is so cheap as well but everything else is expensive 🤣 I heard sewer is cheaper if you live in residential units versus managed apartments (which is a majority of SLU, Westlake, Belltown)
Loved this video! Great info. Moved to Chicago from Tennessee about three years ago and have been wanting to make the move out to Seattle for the past year. Just got back from a trip there last week and am just amazed at the beauty of the city. I enjoyed reading the comments on differences in Seattle vs Chicago. Answered some questions I’ve had.
This video was extremely helpful. I like how you mentioned the utilities cost. Since I'm going to be moving from CA to Seattle this was very informative.
Glad you found it helpful! And the low cost of electricity is nice out here. Even if it’s cooler up here you don’t have to worry about the electricity bill so much when using the heater
The cost of living is outrageous in Seattle area! It's near impossible to modestly raise a family here. It's definitely not like it used to be where a husband could work a full-time job and comfortably support his wife, children and dog while owning a modest home, 2 cars, food to eat, utilities paid and still be able to treat the family to a vacation twice a year. Now the average person can barely afford to support themselves without having to work overtime or have a 2nd job! You have to make well over $25 an hour to live in a 1 bedroom apartment and that's almost 75% of your monthly income! And they wonder why this generation aren't having children and creating families. Keep in mind I am talking about the average person, not people working in the Seattle tech industry making over 100k a year. While I believe the tech industry is good it has also caused part of the sky rocketed cost of living and rent increases. Back in 2005 I was able to rent a huge 1 bedroom apartment in the Renton area for only $600 a month, now it wasn't a new complex by any means but it was perfect for the price! Now in the same area you can't even get a studio apartment for less than $1500! Edit, sorry for my rant but it is just sad how difficult it is to live. I can't imagine how much more difficult it would be for a student especially if that student has to do it on their own without assistance from their parents.
In a city I em building for my business has rent for $300 a month for a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment but a first time one time down payment and damage diposite of $2,000 and including the same thing for the surprise fish tank apartment in the cities under ground Isaac Mall too
Hi, I really appreciate these videos! I plan on moving out of state & on my own (yay independence!) next year and Washington is at the top of my list. Also funny dog comment - maybe some people just have a resting angry face haha!
So UA-cam has decided to recommend more of your vids in my feed. Looks like you are stuck with me. 😊 As for why your sewer charges are so high, it’s not unique to Seattle. I have lived in multiple utility districts in the area, and they all operate pretty much the same way. Sewer is a multiple of water use. So while water is relatively cheap, sewer is far more costly. If you think Seattle is bad, don’t ever move to Bellevue. As for taxes, the LTC tax isn’t technically an “income tax”; rather, it’s a “payroll tax.” If that sounds like hair splitting that’s because it is. The LTC tax is deeply unpopular and will probably be repealed or at least made optional. There are also two other payroll taxes that we pay in Washington, for paid family and medical leave. For some people the employer will pick up the entire tab. If you work for a company that is based here or is very large in size (>10k employees) the employer is more likely to cover the whole thing. Those of us who work for smaller firms are usually on the hook for part of the premiums.
Haha no worries! I really appreciate your comment. That makes sense that sewer is a combination of things. Also thanks for explaining the payroll tax. That makes more sense (government sites aren’t the most helpful lol)
I currently live in Chiago and plan to move to a different state some time in the future. Can you some examples of why you moved and what the differences are between these cities?
I can! One of the main reasons I left was because of the weather and lifestyle. While Chicago has a lot to see and do downtown, it is very cold in the winter and I would have to fly out to other states or drive far away to see any nature or go to the mountains. My first choice would have been the Bay Area in California, because the weather is amazing, there are plenty of cities nearby, and lots of nature. But California is expensive and has lots of taxes. On the other hand, Seattle is cheaper to live in and has a good environment, but it also doesn’t have as pleasant weather as California. But in my opinion, the weather in Seattle is a step up from Chicago’s weather. So the main considerations were weather, environment, and cost of living. The other factor was jobs. I’m an engineering major so I’m kinda restricted to where I can live because I need to live by a city that has tech companies. While I would prefer living in a small town, my major restricted me to larger urbane areas. I ended up choosing Seattle because it has plenty of jobs, the metro area isn’t too large, has less income tax than Illinois, and has a great environment. Although if money wasn’t a factor, I would choose the Bay Area (although if it matters, Seattle has much cleaner air than the Bay Area)
Yes and no lol. During November - February, Seattle is much cloudier. But when I was in Chicago, I remember it being too cold to appreciate the sun from December - late April. The summers in Seattle are sunnier than Chicago, but even if it is generally cloudier than Chicago, when the sun is out in Seattle, I appreciate it much more. During the winter it feels warm and during the summer, even if it is hot, it’s not humid so it’s bearable. Overall, there’s less tax living in Washington, but it’s also more expensive (housing is what will hurt the most). If Seattle had Chicagos downtown with Chicago rent prices it would be the perfect city. Long answer but I hope that helps!
There is less. For the most part, downtown Seattle and the Rainier Beach neighborhood have the most violent crime, but it’s much less compared to other cities.
@@dreamcage1801 yeah, I’m personally from Chicago and Seattle downtown and the neighborhoods feel much safer! The drivers are less aggressive in Seattle too haha
@@Chris_jae If you’re coming from Chicago, the murder capital, then yes, there is “less” crime, but that’s damning with faint praise. I moved out of the city and to the Eastside (east of Lake Washington-if you know, you know) a couple months ago because of all the crime in Seattle. I lived right by Pike Place Market. At one point I heard gunfire in the street below, and I lived on the 33rd floor. I found out later that two people were shooting at each other, and a bystander got hit in the crossfire. Of course, there are other neighborhoods in Seattle that are lots safer. The leafier parts of the city-neighborhoods like Broadview, Greenwood, Crown Hill, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Magnolia, Queen Anne, North Admiral, and Alki-tend to be much less crimey. But there is also less to do there.
@@drewconway7135 you’re right! Chicago might not be a fair comparison, cause it’s been known for murder for years and it’s a much larger city. And thanks for the story. One thing I’ve been concerned about in Seattle are stabbings. Before moving here I heard several stories about homeless stabbing people. I haven’t had a bad encounter yet, but I’m sure a lot of it isn’t reported
Not in seattle itself, but we do have some in the suburrbs (i've been to one in Renton and Factoria). Both are only a 15-20 minute drive from downtown seattle
Haha, that's how I felt about FL. Too much sun, no seasons and hurricanes suck. Plus it's hella hot and flat. My suggestion: Move where it's best for you!
I moved here not too long ago so this is helpful.
I was very surprised to find out electricity is so cheap as well but everything else is expensive 🤣
I heard sewer is cheaper if you live in residential units versus managed apartments (which is a majority of SLU, Westlake, Belltown)
Glad it was helpful! And yes! Everything is expensive out here but at least we can run the heater all winter 😂
Loved this video! Great info. Moved to Chicago from Tennessee about three years ago and have been wanting to make the move out to Seattle for the past year. Just got back from a trip there last week and am just amazed at the beauty of the city. I enjoyed reading the comments on differences in Seattle vs Chicago. Answered some questions I’ve had.
Hey another Chicago transplant! Glad you found the video helpful! :)
Another great video! You have the voice for videos! Live your positive vibe!
Haha your comment made my day! Thank you! 😄
This video was extremely helpful. I like how you mentioned the utilities cost. Since I'm going to be moving from CA to Seattle this was very informative.
Glad you found it helpful! And the low cost of electricity is nice out here. Even if it’s cooler up here you don’t have to worry about the electricity bill so much when using the heater
@@Chris_jae That's good to hear. We pay tons of money in electric costs using the air conditioner all day and night.
@@Sickawd haha it is! Plus it doesn’t usually get too hot over the summer so less need to run the air conditioner
@@Chris_jae 😊
@@Chris_jae I currently work in tech so I'm hoping to move out there and get a job to fund my new life adventures.
Metropolitan is another very nice alternative to Wholefoods. Equally expensive, even higher quality and more local, high quality options.
I just looked at pictures of it and it seems great! There's one close by so I'm definitely going to check it out. Thanks for telling me!
This was super helpful and just the video I was looking for. Thank you so so so much!!
Glad it could help 😄
The cost of living is outrageous in Seattle area! It's near impossible to modestly raise a family here. It's definitely not like it used to be where a husband could work a full-time job and comfortably support his wife, children and dog while owning a modest home, 2 cars, food to eat, utilities paid and still be able to treat the family to a vacation twice a year. Now the average person can barely afford to support themselves without having to work overtime or have a 2nd job! You have to make well over $25 an hour to live in a 1 bedroom apartment and that's almost 75% of your monthly income! And they wonder why this generation aren't having children and creating families. Keep in mind I am talking about the average person, not people working in the Seattle tech industry making over 100k a year. While I believe the tech industry is good it has also caused part of the sky rocketed cost of living and rent increases. Back in 2005 I was able to rent a huge 1 bedroom apartment in the Renton area for only $600 a month, now it wasn't a new complex by any means but it was perfect for the price! Now in the same area you can't even get a studio apartment for less than $1500!
Edit, sorry for my rant but it is just sad how difficult it is to live. I can't imagine how much more difficult it would be for a student especially if that student has to do it on their own without assistance from their parents.
My studio in Seattle with in unit washer and dryer is $1159. And it's a pretty spacious studio in a newer apartment building in International District
Oh wow! That’s really good. The only other people I know to have gotten such a deal have roommates
In a city I em building for my business has rent for $300 a month for a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment but a first time one time down payment and damage diposite of $2,000 and including the same thing for the surprise fish tank apartment in the cities under ground Isaac Mall too
Great baseball team!
The camera work seems better. Haha I want to move to Seattle now
Thank you!
Hi, I really appreciate these videos! I plan on moving out of state & on my own (yay independence!) next year and Washington is at the top of my list. Also funny dog comment - maybe some people just have a resting angry face haha!
Thank you! And that’s exciting! It’s definitely a fun place to live.
Haha and yes. It could be that and I misjudged
So UA-cam has decided to recommend more of your vids in my feed. Looks like you are stuck with me. 😊
As for why your sewer charges are so high, it’s not unique to Seattle. I have lived in multiple utility districts in the area, and they all operate pretty much the same way. Sewer is a multiple of water use. So while water is relatively cheap, sewer is far more costly. If you think Seattle is bad, don’t ever move to Bellevue.
As for taxes, the LTC tax isn’t technically an “income tax”; rather, it’s a “payroll tax.” If that sounds like hair splitting that’s because it is. The LTC tax is deeply unpopular and will probably be repealed or at least made optional. There are also two other payroll taxes that we pay in Washington, for paid family and medical leave. For some people the employer will pick up the entire tab. If you work for a company that is based here or is very large in size (>10k employees) the employer is more likely to cover the whole thing. Those of us who work for smaller firms are usually on the hook for part of the premiums.
Haha no worries! I really appreciate your comment. That makes sense that sewer is a combination of things. Also thanks for explaining the payroll tax. That makes more sense (government sites aren’t the most helpful lol)
Great info!
Thanks!
I currently live in Chiago and plan to move to a different state some time in the future. Can you some examples of why you moved and what the differences are between these cities?
I can! One of the main reasons I left was because of the weather and lifestyle. While Chicago has a lot to see and do downtown, it is very cold in the winter and I would have to fly out to other states or drive far away to see any nature or go to the mountains. My first choice would have been the Bay Area in California, because the weather is amazing, there are plenty of cities nearby, and lots of nature. But California is expensive and has lots of taxes. On the other hand, Seattle is cheaper to live in and has a good environment, but it also doesn’t have as pleasant weather as California. But in my opinion, the weather in Seattle is a step up from Chicago’s weather.
So the main considerations were weather, environment, and cost of living. The other factor was jobs. I’m an engineering major so I’m kinda restricted to where I can live because I need to live by a city that has tech companies. While I would prefer living in a small town, my major restricted me to larger urbane areas. I ended up choosing Seattle because it has plenty of jobs, the metro area isn’t too large, has less income tax than Illinois, and has a great environment. Although if money wasn’t a factor, I would choose the Bay Area (although if it matters, Seattle has much cleaner air than the Bay Area)
I’m also considering moving from Chicago to Seattle. Is Seattle that much cloudier than Chicago? It gets pretty cloudy here in Chicago.
Yes and no lol. During November - February, Seattle is much cloudier. But when I was in Chicago, I remember it being too cold to appreciate the sun from December - late April. The summers in Seattle are sunnier than Chicago, but even if it is generally cloudier than Chicago, when the sun is out in Seattle, I appreciate it much more. During the winter it feels warm and during the summer, even if it is hot, it’s not humid so it’s bearable.
Overall, there’s less tax living in Washington, but it’s also more expensive (housing is what will hurt the most). If Seattle had Chicagos downtown with Chicago rent prices it would be the perfect city.
Long answer but I hope that helps!
Is there less gun violence in the city of Seattle?
There is less. For the most part, downtown Seattle and the Rainier Beach neighborhood have the most violent crime, but it’s much less compared to other cities.
@@Chris_jae ok it’s better environment than Philly
@@dreamcage1801 yeah, I’m personally from Chicago and Seattle downtown and the neighborhoods feel much safer! The drivers are less aggressive in Seattle too haha
@@Chris_jae If you’re coming from Chicago, the murder capital, then yes, there is “less” crime, but that’s damning with faint praise. I moved out of the city and to the Eastside (east of Lake Washington-if you know, you know) a couple months ago because of all the crime in Seattle. I lived right by Pike Place Market. At one point I heard gunfire in the street below, and I lived on the 33rd floor. I found out later that two people were shooting at each other, and a bystander got hit in the crossfire. Of course, there are other neighborhoods in Seattle that are lots safer. The leafier parts of the city-neighborhoods like Broadview, Greenwood, Crown Hill, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Magnolia, Queen Anne, North Admiral, and Alki-tend to be much less crimey. But there is also less to do there.
@@drewconway7135 you’re right! Chicago might not be a fair comparison, cause it’s been known for murder for years and it’s a much larger city. And thanks for the story. One thing I’ve been concerned about in Seattle are stabbings. Before moving here I heard several stories about homeless stabbing people. I haven’t had a bad encounter yet, but I’m sure a lot of it isn’t reported
Do you guys have Walmart in Seattle?
Not in seattle itself, but we do have some in the suburrbs (i've been to one in Renton and Factoria). Both are only a 15-20 minute drive from downtown seattle
@@Chris_jae wow piece of cake 🎂
@@dreamcage1801 haha yes! As an added bonus, I like Renton and Factoria so they’re both in nice areas
If the US ever farted it would come out in Seattle....
..
Yes, but let’s hope it doesn’t haha 😂
I hate it here. Born and raised. Depressing asf
But I love the nature here ):
Haha I can understand that! it makes seeing the sun seem so special. But yes, the nature in Washingotn is unlike anything anywhere else :)
Haha, that's how I felt about FL. Too much sun, no seasons and hurricanes suck. Plus it's hella hot and flat. My suggestion: Move where it's best for you!