Auburn, WA vs. Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Seattle area? Let’s compare the cost of living in Auburn vs Seattle in 2025:
- 🏘️ Median home price: $200,000 less in Auburn
- 🛒 Groceries: 15% cheaper in Auburn
- ⚡ Utilities: $50/month lower in Auburn
- 🚗 Commute: 20 minutes shorter from Auburn (on average)
For a detailed breakdown of average monthly expenses in Auburn, WA, read on. We’ll compare housing, utilities, groceries, and other key costs to help you decide if Auburn or Seattle fits your lifestyle and budget better.
1. Housing Costs
The biggest cost difference between Auburn and Seattle is housing. Here’s what you can expect to pay in each city:
| Housing Type | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $500,000 | $700,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| 3BR Home Rent | $2,500 | $3,500 |
🏆 Winner: Auburn. You’ll pay around 30% less for housing in Auburn compared to Seattle.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Auburn comes out slightly ahead:
- Expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas in Auburn
- In Seattle, budget closer to $230/month for the same utilities
- Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable
🏆 Winner: Auburn, with about $50/month in utility savings.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items tend to cost about 15% less in Auburn than Seattle:
- Expect to spend around $400/month on groceries for a single person in Auburn
- The same groceries would cost about $475/month in Seattle
- Eating out is also more affordable in Auburn, with fast food combos around $8 vs $12 in Seattle
🏆 Winner: Auburn. Your everyday expenses will be lower living in Auburn.
4. Taxes and Fees
Washington has no state income tax, so the tax picture is very similar between Auburn and Seattle:
- Sales tax is 10.1% in Auburn vs 10.25% in Seattle
- Property taxes are slightly lower in Auburn at 0.85% vs 0.92% in Seattle
- Car tabs and other local fees are comparable between the two cities
🏆 Winner: Tie. There’s no major tax advantage to living in either Auburn or Seattle.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $230 |
| Groceries | $400 | $475 |
| Transportation | $100 | $150 |
| Misc | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,980 | $3,855 |
Overall, you can expect to spend about $875 less per month living in Auburn compared to Seattle. That’s over $10,000 in savings per year. Of course, your actual costs will depend on your specific lifestyle and housing choices.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Auburn is more affordable than Seattle, there are some tradeoffs to consider:
- Auburn offers more space for your money, with larger homes and yards
- Seattle is more walkable and has better public transit
- Commute times are about 20 minutes longer from Auburn into downtown Seattle
- Seattle has a wider variety of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. Young professionals may prefer Seattle’s urban amenities, while families looking to stretch their budget often choose Auburn.
7. FAQ
Is Auburn more affordable than Seattle?
Yes, the cost of living in Auburn is about 20-25% lower than Seattle, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Rents in Auburn are around 30% less than comparable apartments or homes in Seattle.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
The median home price in Auburn is about $200,000 less than in Seattle, so your homebuying budget will go much further in Auburn.
8. Conclusion
While both Auburn and Seattle offer a high quality of life, Auburn is the clear winner on cost of living. Families, retirees, and budget-conscious households can save significantly by choosing Auburn over Seattle, especially on housing. However, some may prefer paying a premium for Seattle’s dense urban amenities, shorter commutes, and ample transit options.
For a full guide to the cost of living in Auburn and your estimated monthly budget, check out our comprehensive overview. You can also compare other Seattle-area cities like Tacoma, Bellevue, or Renton to find the best fit for you.