Moving to Seattle From the UK: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Seattle, Washington, is a bustling city known for its thriving tech hub, breath-taking natural beauty, and serious coffee culture. Near Puget Sound and surrounded by the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range, “Emerald City” is a haven for nature lovers. 

The city offers the best of both worlds, with Seattle having one of the most influential tech industries in the U.S. With a thriving job market, endless outdoor activities, and excellent education facilities, moving to Seattle from the UK will provide a wealth of opportunities.

Living in a city doesn’t come without challenges; traffic congestion, a higher cost of living, and in Seattle’s case, a risk of earthquakes. In this in-depth guide, we explore everything you should know about relocating to Seattle, covering both the upsides and the challenges. 

Benefits of Moving to Seattle:

Thriving Tech Hub 

Home to the world’s largest tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, Seattle is a global tech hub. It has a thriving start-up culture in the tech industry, and salaries are higher than the national average thanks to a booming job market.

Natural Beauty 

The city is surrounded by mountains, water, and greenery, providing an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. Puget Sound, Lake Washington, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Range are just a few natural beauty spots in Seattle.

Educational Opportunities 

Seattle has some of the best universities in the U.S., with the University of Washington and Seattle University among the many. There are also excellent public and private schools in the city, with Seattle Public Schools being the largest school district in Washington.

Challenges to Consider When Moving to Seattle:

High Cost of Living 

Seattle has a high cost of living, with one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S. Everyday expenses and groceries are high compared to the national average, with State Sales Tax adding to costs at 10.25%.

Rainy Climate 

Seattle has an oceanic climate, meaning its winters are extremely rainy, averaging around 37 inches of rainfall per year over 152 days. Autumn and winter in Seattle are particularly wet and grey, with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) prime in the city. Vitamin D supplements and light therapy lamps are commonly used by residents.  

Risk of Earthquakes

Seattle is located in a seismically active region, so it is prone to earthquakes and other extreme weather. It’s near many major fault lines such as the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which could produce a 9+ magnitude megathrust earthquake. However, a hurricane magnitude of 7 and over is estimated to only happen every 500-1,000 years, with smaller ones being more frequent.

Seattle’s Cost of Living 

Seattle is known for having one of the highest costs of living in the U.S., driven by high house prices. House prices are significantly higher than the national average, with the overall cost of living in Seattle being 45% more expensive than the U.S. average. Property Tax is moderate, at 0.9% of the home’s value, coming in lower than the national average. Although the tax rate is lower than in Tacoma and Spokane, Seattle residents face higher total tax bills due to expensive real estate.

Groceries are also high in Seattle, with a $10.25 Sales Tax making food shopping even more expensive. Food shopping bills are 20% higher than the national average and 27.4% higher than in Spokane, Washington. For comparison, groceries are 30% higher in Seattle than in London and 40% more expensive than in Birmingham. Below we compare costs of restaurant and grocery prices in Seattle and the UK to give you an idea of costs. 

Item	Seattle	UK
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	$25 (£19.28)	£15 ($19.41)
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	$105 (£81.99)	£65 ($84.13)
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	$4.76 (£3.67)	£1.24 ($1.60)
Local Cheese (1kg)	$21.63 (£16.68)	£7.17 ($9.28)
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	$21 (£16.20)	£10.35 ($13.39)
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	$20 (£15.43)	£8 ($10.35)
Cappuccino (regular)	$5.55 (£4.28)	£3.37 ($4.36)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	$2.92 (£2.25)	£2.06 ($2.67)

Estimated monthly costs for a family of four, not including housing costs, are around £4,133 ($5,361) and £1,147 ($1,488) for a person living alone. However, one positive about Seattle’s cost of living is that salaries are high, especially in thriving industries like technology and healthcare. Plus, there is no State Income Tax in Washington, and combined with competitive salaries in certain industries, the high cost of living can be eased. 

Seattle’s Competitive Property Market 

Seattle has the 5th most expensive property market in the U.S., with notoriously high property prices. It’s the biggest cost for Seattle residents, so let’s explore the property market further, looking at market stats, house prices, the rental market, and government help.

Market Stats

Seattle’s property market is extremely competitive, with homes going under contract within 9 days of first being listed. House prices are rising, and demand is strong for limited available properties. The market is so fierce that sellers can expect bidding wars on their properties, with around 34% of homes sold for above asking price.

House Prices

The average property price in Seattle is $871,963, a 3.9% increase from the previous year. Single-family homes are even more expensive again at $955,917 on average, whilst condos are more moderately priced at $489,372. Areas like West Queen Anne and Downtown are sought after, which is reflected in their average value of $1,175,752 and $735,488, respectively. 

Rental Market

Rent is also high in Seattle due to high demand. The average monthly rent costs around $2,232, 32% higher than the national average. If you’re looking to rent in the Seattle Central Business District, rent increases to $3,063 per month. In the Atlantic area, you can find more affordable rent options, with prices averaging at $2,203.

Government Help

The House Bill 1217 is being considered in Washington to cap annual rent increases at 7%. This would help current tenants avoid further financial burdens when it comes to housing costs. There are also proposed social housing initiatives aimed at helping lower earners afford housing by capping tenant’s rent at 30% of their income. 

There are also first-time buyer schemes that are open to both U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Seattle’s Home Buyer Assistance Program can help with up to $55,000 of a downpayment. Washington State Housing Finance Commission can help with finance options for first-time buyers through their House Key and Home Advantage programmes.

Finding Affordable Neighbourhoods in Seattle

Knowing where to look for affordable housing in Seattle is important. Where you choose to live will depend on your budget and circumstances. The property market is competitive and homes get snapped up quickly in Seattle, so it’s important to be prepared and act fast once you’ve found your dream home. 

Beacon Hill

Located south of downtown, Beacon Hill offers city and Mount Rainier views and affordable housing compared to other neighbourhoods in Seattle. The average house price stands at $664,000, which is 31% cheaper than Seattle’s average. Beacon Hill offers a variety of housing, from historic single-family homes to modern townhomes. Property prices are rising in the area due to its local amenities and proximity to downtown. It’s a popular area for families thanks to its excellent schools, green spaces, and community feel. 

It’s quite a hilly area but is an easily walkable neighbourhood. It’s also well-connected with public transport like the Link Light Rail, providing easy routes to the airport, downtown, and other popular areas. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, with Jefferson Park boasting a golf course, sports fields, and scenic walking trails. Small local businesses thrive in Beacon Hill, run and supported by a rich cultural diversity. There is a strong presence of Asian, Latino, and other multicultural communities in the area, reflected in the area’s many dining options.

Delridge

Delridge in West Seattle has a good mix of new developments and older homes. The average property price in Delridge is $640,000, lower than other West Seattle neighbourhoods like Admiral and Alki. The Link Light Rail doesn’t serve the area, but it’s well connected with bus routes, getting commuters into downtown in 30 minutes. Outdoor space is ample, with Delridge boasting Westcrest Park, Longfellow Creek Trail, and Camp Long. 

While the area remains one of the most affordable options in Seattle, it is undergoing regeneration projects, which may push house prices up in the near future. There are improvements to infrastructure and travel and new businesses and community centres are being built. There is a good mix of new residents and long-term locals, with a strong community feel. At present, there are limited dining and shopping options in Delridge, so many residents head to White Center or The Junction for this. 

Northgate

Northgate is another neighbourhood offering more affordable housing options than Central Seattle neighbourhoods like Capitol Hill or Queen Anne. Although property prices increased by almost 10% from last year, the average price remains under Seattle’s average at around $770,000. Condos are the most affordable property type, and with a 16% decrease in prices from last year, you can buy one for around $444,500.

Many residents choose Northgate for its excellent transit links, with the Link Light Rail Station getting them to downtown Seattle in 15 minutes. The new Northgate Station development has widened housing availability, adding new apartments, condos, and townhouses as well as shops and restaurants. Northgate is also home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken’s stadium, the Seattle Kraken Community Iceplex, offering a fun night out for all ages.

Education facilities in Northgate range from elementary to college level, catering to different age groups and educational preferences. There is James Baldwin Elementary School, Ingraham High School, and North Seattle College in the neighbourhood. Maple Leaf Reservoir Park, Licton Springs Park, and the Thornton Creek Natural are ideal for days out with the family, with picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.

South Park 

South Park is a community-orientated neighbourhood offering local charm and plenty of outdoor activities. House prices remain well below Seattle’s average, with properties costing $549,975 on average. The market isn’t as competitive as other areas, taking around 58 days for properties to sell, giving buyers a decent chance. 

Near the State Route 99 and Highway 509, South Park offers excellent transport links to all areas of Seattle. South Park is one of Seattle’s most diverse communities, home to a large Hispanic population. This culture is reflected in local shops, eateries, and community celebration events. Overlooking the Duwamish River, South Park boasts many parks such as the Waterway Park and Cecil Moses Memorial Park for scenic river walks. The Farmers and Wellness Market is a popular event held at Duwamish Waterway Park where residents can sample local goods and access wellness resources.

Job Market in Seattle

In 2025, Seattle’s job market is robust, offering opportunities in the technology and healthcare sectors. It also faces challenges because of potential job cuts and a high cost of living.

Thriving Sectors in Seattle

Technology: Seattle is a thriving tech hub, with over 280,000 tech workers in roles. It ranks second in the U.S. as a tech hub after the San Francisco Bay Area. There has been recent growth in AI roles, ranking second for the most vacancies in the U.S. Other roles in demand are data scientists and cybersecurity analysts, seeing 42% and 41% growth rates, respectively.

Healthcare: Seattle is one of the five highest-paid areas for roles in the healthcare sector. There is a high demand for registered nurses within the sector, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and skilled administrators and managers.  

Seattle Average Salaries

Salaries are competitive in Seattle and high in certain thriving sectors. The minimum wage has increased to $20.76 per hour, reflecting the city’s commitment to maintaining competitive wage floors. The recommended household income to afford property in Seattle is $227,000, which is typically combined between two people. This signifies the housing affordability crisis in Seattle. Here are some of the in-demand roles in the technology and healthcare sectors and the average going salary:

• Machine Learning Engineer:  $182,182 
• Data Scientist: $145,077
• Cybersecurity Analyst: $187,795
• Registered Nurse: $95,350
• Nurse Practitioner: $148,279
• Physician Assistant: $136,805
• Healthcare Administrator: $115,900

Top Employers in Seattle

Seattle is home to world-famous companies, from tech giants Amazon and Microsoft to top healthcare employers like Seatle Children’s Hospital. 

Amazon: Amazon is one of Seattle’s biggest employers, with its headquarters in the city. It hires tens of thousands of people across various roles, with software engineers and operations managers being popular roles. 

Microsoft: Although Microsoft isn’t based directly in Seattle, it remains a large employer with a huge presence in the city. They have a wide range of roles on offer, from tech to business.

Boeing: One of Seattle’s long-standing employers, Boeing offers a variety of roles in engineering, manufacturing, and design roles, especially in commercial and defence aviation.

Expedia: Expedia’s headquarters in Seattle employs many people including software engineers, product managers, and business development professionals.

Starbucks: Another top employer with headquarters in Seattle, Starbucks offers various roles in marketing, operations, and supply chain management.

Seattle Children’s Hospital: One of the largest children’s hospitals in the U.S., Seattle Children’s Hospital is a big employer. Roles vary from clinical positions to administration and support.

How to Find Jobs in Seattle

To be able to live comfortably in Seattle, it’s recommended to look for roles in well-paid sectors such as technology or healthcare. Look at companies that have headquarters or large presence in the city and view their current openings. It’s also a good idea to check out sector-specific job boards and job-seeking websites like Indeed or Linkedin.

Healthcare System in Seattle

Seattle’s healthcare system is one of the most advanced in the U.S., offering high-quality care and treatment to residents. 

Top Health Providers 

The University of Washington Medicine is one of the major healthcare providers in Seattle, with multiple facilities in the region. Its Harborview Medical Center is a Level I trauma centre and the main place to treat complex and critical care incidents. The Swedish Medical Center is a nonprofit that provides primary care, speciality care, and urgent care with 3 key facilities throughout the city.

Insurance and Access

When moving to Seattle from the UK, you’ll need to secure your health insurance which will significantly cover the cost of services. Most employers in Seattle offer health insurance as part of their employment packages. This will either cover part or all of their employee’s healthcare costs and typically offers coverage of the top hospitals in the city. There are also a range of government and individual insurance programmes on offer in Seattle including Medicaid, Medicare, and Washington Healthplanfinder. 

Non-insured Residents

Non-insured residents can access healthcare services through Community Health Centers and Public Health Programmes. Neighborcare Health and Sea Mar Community Health Centers are federally funded centres that provide primary care to those who cannot afford insurance. Services are charged on a sliding scale based on income and other factors. Some services may even be free for very low-income families. A primary care visit to SeaMar Community Health Centers typically costs between $20 and $75.

Service Costs for Insured Patients

Residents with health insurance will pay significantly less for health services than those who are uninsured. Here are some examples of average costs for health services in Seattle with insurance coverage.

• GP Appointment – $20 to $50
• Specialist Visit – $50 to $150
• ER Visit – $100 to $500
• Blood Test – $20 to $100
• MRI – $400 to $3,500

Educational Facilities in Seattle

The Seattle Public Schools district is ranked the third best performing in Washington, offering plenty of highly rated schools from kindergarten to high school. 

How to Find the Best School 

The school you choose for your child will depend on where you live. Each school has a different catchment area that will determine the options of schools available. If none are suitable for your child, certain schools may offer programmes that allow you to apply to different catchment zone schools. 

You can use the Seattle Public Schools SPS School Finder tool to view the available schools. To apply for a school place, you will need to provide proof of residence within that catchment area, vaccination status to match Washington’s state requirements, and previous school records from the UK.

Best Seattle High Schools 

Many high schools in Seattle perform well when it comes to college readiness, with many schools ranking in the top 10% nationally. Garfield High School in Capitol Hill is one of the best-performing public schools in the Seattle Public Schools District and offers excellent programmes in the arts, STEM, and social sciences. Another top performer in the public school category, Ballard High School is known for its well-rounded educational approach as well as putting a spotlight on its athletics programmes.

The Bush School is continually ranked one of the best private high schools in Seattle. Located in Madrona, The Bush School serves students from kindergarten through to high school. It’s praised for teaching community values and social responsibility. The school also places a strong emphasis on art subjects, including visual arts, theatre, music, and dance. Annual tuition fees will increase by grade, with kindergarten to 5th grade costing around $32,000 per year. For grades 6-8, costs rise to $37,000 and it costs $40,000 for grades 9-12.

Seattle Universities 

Seattle is home to some prestigious higher educational facilities, offering a range of programmes in varied subjects:

• University of Washington: The University of Washington is a public research university in the University District. It offers a range of courses but particularly shines when it comes to computer science, engineering, business, medicine, and environmental science. Tuition costs $12,500 per year for those living in the state, with costs rising if you are living out of state.
• Seattle University: Seattle University is a smaller private university in Capitol Hill. It focuses on liberal arts style teaching and is praised for teachings in business, law, nursing, and social sciences. It costs $54,000 per year to attend, but there are financial aid programmes available. 

Transport System in Seattle

Public transport is diverse in Seattle, with improvements ongoing to major systems. Many residents and commuters prefer to drive despite traffic concerns, but there are a range of options to help you get across the city.

Driving 

Although traffic congestion is bad, many residents prefer to drive to work and around the city for flexibility. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also popular despite traffic. The main roads in Seattle are the I-5 & I-90, with the I-5 passing through Downtown Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and Portland, and the I-90 covering Bellevue, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and Spokane. These roads get busy during rush hour, typically between 7-10 am and 3-7 pm.

Link Light Rail

The Link Light Rail is a rapid transit system in Seattle running from Northgate to Angle Lake, covering key areas like Downtown Seattle, SeaTac Airport, Capitol Hill, and the University of Washington. Ticket fares are based on distance, but typically cost between $2.25 and $3.50 per trip. It’s currently undergoing rapid expansion, with another line connecting Seattle to Bellevue and Redmond being added throughout 2025.

King County Metro Bus

The King Country Metro Bus service covers all of Seattle, including the suburban areas like Bellevue, Redmond, and Renton, with more frequent services in the downtown and city areas. There is a flat fare of $2.75 per trip and you can pay via an ORCA Card, cash, or contactless payment.

Cycling and Walking

Seattle is mostly a bike-friendly city, with dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. The hilly terrain of the city can be a challenge. Areas like Capitol Hill, Downtown, and Ballard are pedestrian friendly and Lime and Veo bike and scooter schemes are available throughout the city.

Can I Ship My Car to Seattle?

Yes, we can get your car safely shipped to Seattle via our sister company, Autoshippers. With over 25 years of experience transporting vehicles to the U.S., using Roll on Roll off services for cars, SUVs, autos, motorhomes, trucks, vans and buses, they are the first choice. 

All sailings are direct from the UK ports of Liverpool or Southampton to many ports in the USA including Jacksonville, New York, Galveston, and Brunswick. It’ll cost on average £1,855 to ship your standard saloon car to Tacoma, Seattle’s nearest port.

You will need to change your UK license to a Washington one within 30 days of becoming a resident. This means once you have an established address. You will need to bring proof of your address, identity, SS number, and payment for the license to your local Department of Licensing. You may need to pass a vision and driving test, but this is up to the discretion of the local office, depending on your driving experience. 

Climate and Weather in Seattle

Seattle is known for its rainy weather, with the city seeing around 37 inches of rain per year, happening primarily between November and March. The climate is a temperate maritime climate, which means winters are mild and wet and summer months are warm and dry. 

Temperatures range between 2–10°C on average during the winter months, with weather being wet and cool. Digits rise when spring hits, averaging between 7–18°C throughout March and May. Rainfall decreases during spring and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. From June to September, temperatures range from 13–27°C, with the air warm and dry but not uncomfortable. Autumn weather in Seattle is similar to Spring but with more rainfall and beautiful foliage. 

Although not a type of weather, Seattle is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes due to its position near a seismically active region. The city has a history of earthquakes as it’s near the Cascadia Subduction Zone and other fault lines. The last major earthquake was in 2001 and although significant ones are rare, minor earthquakes are a risk.

Activities and Entertainment in Seattle 

There is plenty to explore in Seattle, from discovering its stunning natural beauty hotspots to catching a game in one of its iconic sports stadiums, Emerald City has it all.

Outdoor Activities 

Seattle offers endless outdoor activities, with its stunning mountain surroundings. You can take a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, which is around a 2-hour drive away, or stroll through Discovery Park, the largest park in Seattle. You can jog or walk around the 2.8-mile trail of Green Lake Park. If you’re lucky, you can see orcas, humpbacks, and grey whales on a whale-watching tour.

Food and Drink

Seattle is home to the original Starbucks Coffee, so coffee culture is thriving in the city. There are many local gems besides the chain shops. Try Storyville Coffee for a cosy experience, Victrola Coffee if you’re a coffee connoisseur, or Espresso Vivace for the perfect latte. Food-wise, Seattle is influenced by the Pacific Northwest, Asian cuisine, and farm-to-table dining. As Seattle is on the coast, seafood like fresh salmon, oysters, and Dungeness crab are popular. You have to try the famous Seattle Dog, a hot dog with cream cheese, loved by locals.

Sports and Entertainment 

There’s plenty on offer in Seattle if you’re a sports fan. Home to iconic stadiums and passionate fans, watching a game in Seattle is an experience. Catch a Seattle Seahawks NFL game at Lumen Field, or watch the MLB team Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Seattle also has an ice hockey, WNBA, and MLS team, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Seattle is also known for its music culture and being the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix and grunge music. Catch some live music at some of the best venues in Seattle such as The Showbox, Neumos, and Paramount Theatre.

Iconic Attractions 

The iconic Space Needle is Seattle’s most famous attraction. The 360° observation deck offers stunning views of the city, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound. When you’re in Seattle, you have to visit the Pike Place Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the U.S., famous for its fresh fish food and local crafts. To see the best view of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle, visit Kerry Park during sunset, or at night when the city is lit up.

How Much Will It Cost to Move My Personal Belongings to Seattle?

If you’re shipping household goods and personal effects to Seattle, costs will depend on the size of your move and final destination.

Here are the average costs for moving from UK to Seattle:

• Small Move: £ 999.00
• 1 bed flat: £1,205
• 2 bed flat: £2,127
• 3 bed house (20 ft container): £5,642
• 4+ bed house (40 ft container): £7,434

About our international moving services to Seattle

1st Move International can safely ship your household and personal belongings from the UK with our international removals to Orlando service. We offer a guaranteed weekly shipping service that ships directly to multiple ports in the U.S. Our safe packing and shipping techniques provide full protection for your items. 

Visit our International Removals page and find out more about our great range of packing, shipping, and insurance options or you can a moving overseas quote, tailored to your individual moving requirements.

You can also check out our online international moving costs calculator here.

For more details on our packing process and the benefits of shipping with commercial co-loaders see our Faster Shipping, Safer Packing and Smarter Billing pages.