Affordable Seattle Suburbs if You’re Living on a Budget

Are you tired of overpriced locations, small apartments, and the constant struggle of finding a free parking space? Then you’re probably thinking about moving just outside of the Emerald City to one of the more affordable Seattle suburbs. Fortunately, there are some really good budget-friendly options, and you can find a new place in some great neighborhoods at fair and inexpensive prices. Here’s a pick from your local movers in Seattle.

Is Seattle an Affordable Place to Live?

Before you start looking for Seattle moving companies and planning your moving to-do list, it’s essential to know your budget and the cost of living here. According to BestPlaces, The Emerald City has an overall cost of living index of 172.3. That sounds great if you are relocating here from LA or NY, but if you are relocating from smaller towns or cities – it is a bit pricey. There are significant differences in costs between living in Downtown Seattle and staying in some of the best suburbs of Seattle, especially when buying homes, so make sure you choose the right area for your relocation.

What Is a Good Salary to Live in Seattle?

Of course, this really depends on the kind of lifestyle you’re used to. But let’s just go over the basics for reference. The median income in Emerald City is around $100,000, while the average is close to $82,000. Homes here cost around $700,000, and if you are a renter, get to know your Seattle renters’ rights on time and expect to pay around $2,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in a good location. That means that if you have an annual salary of $80,000 or more – you’ll be good. And if you intend to settle in some of the surrounding areas – you’ll be even better, as life is a lot cheaper there.

Wondering What Are the Best Suburbs of Seattle? The Suburb of Algona Is Certainly One of Them

With Lake Washington to the east and just 30 miles south from the center, Algona is one of the affordable suburbs of Seattle and home to over 3,000 residents. It is on the list of top places to raise a family in WA, has lots to offer, and is decently affordable if you’re looking to move locally this year. The overall cost of living is 30% less than in the city, and the most significant factor is the median house value.
The current median home value is $230,000, and the rent is $1,130, which is 56% cheaper than in the center, and there are plenty of homes to look at. There are excellent schools, parks, and outdoor activities throughout the suburb, which is perfect for a family. You can also find many bars, clubs, and restaurants, which is why it’s one of the best places for singles and young professionals in WA, as well. If you’re planning to relocate here by yourself, consider learning how to pack glasses or even how to pack books.

The Best Place to Visit the Outdoors

Algona is known for its wetlands and other wildlife, making it a huge attraction for people who love being in nature and a number one choice for nature lovers. There are plenty of hiking trails to use and parks to visit, and if you don’t mind the commute, you can also visit Mt. Rainier National Park or go on the many cruises over on Commencement Bay. If you are a nature lover – you will absolutely love it here, and if you are not – you are about to become one!

Where Should I Live Near the City of Seattle? Try the Town of Waller

Located just outside of Tacoma, Waller is a great town and a perfect place for a first home. The most recent population of almost 8,000 residents with a median home value of $295,800 and $1,100 to rent, which is 47% cheaper than downtown. Overall, the cost of living in Waller is 28% lower due to several factors like groceries, transportation, health, etc. The suburb is mostly known for its many parks and coffee shops, perfect if you want to move somewhere relaxed and calm. Another plus is that the commute time to the city is less than an hour, which isn’t bad if you work downtown.

Sultan Is the Best Place for a Quiet Rural Life in WA

If you are wondering – What is the cheapest place to live in Washington state? – you might want to look into Sultan. It is a small town 34 miles northeast of downtown, with a population of over 5,000 residents. It is the perfect mix of urban and rural if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. It is quiet and has plenty of parks, a good school district, lakes, and a national forest, and it is relatively close to several mountain ranges – great for retirees who want to get away from all the noise of downtown.
There are also some of the best school districts in Seattle for your children to attend, and lots of great restaurants. The median house value and rent are $258,000 and $1,250, which means that housing in Sultan is 54% cheaper than accommodation around downtown, and it’s the most significant factor in the overall cost of living. Including other factors, Sultan is 34% cheaper to live.

Black Diamond – Plenty of History in One of the Most Affordable Seattle Suburbs

Black Diamond is another small rural town and is considered one of the safest places to live in Washington. The current population in Black Diamond is 4,500. There are many attractions like the Black Diamond Museum, the Black Diamond Open Space, and Lake Sawyer. The median home value is $399,800, and the rent is $820, which is totally reasonable. It’s one of the best places to retire in WA, and it’s perfect for families looking for a quiet and peaceful area to relocate. The overall cost of living in Black Diamond is 20% less.

Historical Attractions and Things to Do

Black Diamond is known for its deep heritage in the coal mining and logging industry during the 1800s. You can find many hidden gems and attractions about the town’s origin. Great for tourists or small children to learn some of America’s rich history. Some of these attractions include:

• The Coal Miners Honor Garden, dedicated to the Washington coal miners and their families,
• The Historic Black Diamond Cemetery, which holds 1,200 graves,
• Morganville and Unionstump, which played a part in the story of the unionization of coal miners at the beginning of the 20th century.

Take a look at this video for some more ideas on things to do in Black Diamond.

Final Thoughts on Some of the Most Affordable Suburbs of Seattle

This city is a beautiful place to live in, but it is among the most expensive cities in the US. If your moving expenses checklist and household budget demand a cost-effective place, there are plenty of great and affordable suburban communities that you can move to with everything you and your family may need. If you’re interested in living in the city and want to find out what some of the best neighborhoods in Seattle for families are, be sure to take a look at our list. But, a significant benefit is that each of the above-mentioned suburban towns is near the city, so when you hire Seattle Professional Movers for their residential moving service, you won’t have to go through moving stress. Our Seattle movers will also remind you of the most commonly forgotten things to pack and advise on what to do with items movers won’t move. So, when in need of a moving company in Seattle – count on us to get you settled in your new home.

Contact Us for a Free Quote if You’re Ready to Move

Before you start planning your moving-away party, make sure you have the right cheap movers in Seattle booked for your move. We give each of those interested in our service a chance to get a free estimate of the cost, so head over to our main page. Contact us via website or phone, and we’ll give you a reliable quote as soon as possible. We are affordable and reliable – we will get you moved into a new place in no time, and we’ll be gentle on your wallet, too.