United States · tool
How much does Seattle cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Seattle trip before you book anything.
Seattle, United States travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Hostel dorm bed or a private room in a shared house outside the immediate downtown core.
Street food, casual cafes, and groceries from a local market like Pike Place Market.
Utilizing the Link Light Rail and King County Metro buses.
Exploring Pike Place Market, walking tours, visiting free parks like Discovery Park.
Souvenirs, coffee, small incidentals.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
A comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.
A mix of casual restaurants, brewpubs, and one nicer dinner.
Occasional ride-shares (Uber/Lyft) or taxis, supplemented by public transit.
Museum entries (e.g., MoPOP, Chihuly Garden and Glass), ferry rides, paid attractions.
Coffee shop visits, small purchases, tips.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
A 4-5 star hotel in a prime downtown or waterfront location.
Fine dining experiences, tasting menus, premium cocktails.
Private car services, premium ride-shares, or a dedicated driver for excursions.
Private guided tours, exclusive experiences, premium seating at events.
High-end shopping, spa treatments, discretionary spending.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller vendors at Pike Place Market.
- •Using ATMs at major banks like Chase or Bank of America generally avoids higher fees.
- •While many places accept contactless payment, some older establishments might prefer physical cards.
- •Tipping is expected for most services, including baristas, bartenders, and hotel staff, not just restaurant servers.
- •Seattle's public transit system, King County Metro, has a ORCA card for easy tap-and-go payment, available at Link Light Rail stations.
Plan the rest of your Seattle trip
Trip budgets elsewhere