2026 buyer planning guide · Seattle, Washington

What might a Seattle home cost to care for each year?

Seattle buyers should plan for wet-weather drainage, moss and roof care, recurring Seattle Public Utilities charges, and a parcel-specific property-tax levy rate—not only the mortgage payment.

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Keep the categories separate

A practical annual planning range

The example uses the same assumptions across every city page so buyers can compare locations. Enter the actual home’s details for a more useful result.

01

Routine maintenance

$1,850–$3,450

Recurring care and likely annual work using a hybrid DIY/professional approach.

02

Utilities

$4,775–$5,625

Electricity, water, sewer, garbage, and internet for the example household.

03

Property tax

$9,900–$10,400

Estimated from the example price and local rate band; verify the parcel levy code.

Recurring utilities

Seattle example breakdown

electricity$900–$1,100per year
water$950–$1,100per year
sewer$1,600–$1,875per year
garbage$500–$575per year
internet$825–$975per year

Local considerations

What buyers should verify

  • Roof, gutter, siding, and crawl-space moisture conditions after the wet season.
  • Drainage and stormwater charges that depend on parcel surfaces and service details.
  • The exact consolidated levy rate, voter-approved charges, and special assessments on the parcel.
  • King County sewer capacity charge: If the property has a qualifying newer sewer connection, the current owner may owe this charge for 15 years. Confirm the remaining balance during title review.

How to use this estimate

Bring better questions to due diligence

  1. Ask the seller for the last 12 months of utility bills.
  2. Confirm the utility providers serving the exact address.
  3. Check the parcel’s consolidated levy rate and assessments.
  4. Use the inspection to adjust near-term maintenance reserves.

Sources and estimate boundaries

Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities rates are reflected; exact water, sewer, drainage, and garbage charges depend on usage, parcel surfaces, and cart size. The exact tax rate depends on the parcel's combined city, county, school, and special-district levies.

Seattle City Light residential rates ↗Seattle Public Utilities rates ↗King County 2026 levy-rate reports ↗King County sewer capacity charge ↗FCC National Broadband Map ↗
Planning estimate—not a quote, inspection, appraisal, disclosure, or tax bill. One-time development and connection fees are excluded.

Use the actual home

Replace the example with its ZIP, price, size, and age.

Calculate local annual costs →