SEA

Seattle

Washington, United States

Arriving, settling in and working in Seattle: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to Seattle Read the guide ↓

Photo: Thom Milkovic / Unsplash

Guide sections12

Sourced facts57

Last verified1 Nov 2026

Areas with rent9

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Seattle at a glance

The basics about Seattle, plus official sources for time, weather and living costs.

The city uses Pacific Time. In 2026, daylight saving time runs from 8 March to 1 November; clocks change at 2 a.m.
nist.gov ↗
For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the National Weather Service forecast office for Seattle/Tacoma.
weather.gov ↗
Zumper's rent data for Seattle lists an average of $1,900 a month for a 1-bedroom and $2,672 for a 2-bedroom (page updated 31 October 2026).
zumper.com ↗
In Bellevue, Zumper lists $2,505 for a 1-bedroom and $2,999 for a 2-bedroom (31 October 2026).
zumper.com ↗

External links

Zumper Seattle rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Laws and customs

Washington and Seattle rules that often surprise newcomers.

Washington does not currently have an individual income tax.
dor.wa.gov ↗
A new 9.9% income tax, created by Senate Bill 6346 in 2026, is due to start in 2028 for people with adjusted gross income above $1 million. First returns are due in 2029.
dor.wa.gov ↗
In Seattle, every housing cost increase needs 180 days' advance notice.
seattle.gov ↗
For mental health or suicide crisis support, call 988 or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. It is free, confidential and open 24/7.
988lifeline.org ↗

External links

Income tax (WA DOR) ↗988 Lifeline ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Seattle

Getting from SEA into the city, and your first admin steps.

Link light rail's 1 Line serves SeaTac/Airport station. A pedestrian bridge, open 24 hours, links the station area to the terminal.
soundtransit.org ↗
A one-way adult Link fare is $3.00. Pay with an ORCA card, a contactless credit or debit card, or at a station ticket machine.
soundtransit.org ↗
If you are not a US citizen, you must report each change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. A US Postal Service change of address does not update USCIS. A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors are exempt.
uscis.gov ↗
If your Social Security number was not requested with your visa or green card application, the SSA suggests waiting 10 days after arrival before you apply, so your documents can be verified.
ssa.gov ↗

External links

Fares (Sound Transit) ↗SeaTac/Airport station ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Getting around

Link light rail, buses, ORCA and fares.

One-way adult fares on Sound Transit are $3.00. A day pass costs twice the one-way fare and is valid only on the day you buy it.
soundtransit.org ↗
Young people aged 18 and under ride free on all Sound Transit services.
soundtransit.org ↗
If you transfer within 2 hours, your first fare counts towards the next leg; with ORCA you pay only the difference if the second leg costs more.
soundtransit.org ↗
ORCA works on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit, Washington State Ferries, the Seattle Center Monorail and Seattle Streetcar. Some exclusions apply.
myorca.com ↗

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You can also tap a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express card, or Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, to pay for transit.
myorca.com ↗
Reduced fares are available for income-qualified riders and people with disabilities.
myorca.com ↗

External links

Fares (Sound Transit) ↗myORCA ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and housing

Rent rules, notice periods and move-in costs.

Washington caps rent rises at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is less, over any 12 months. For 2026 the maximum is 9.683%.
atg.wa.gov ↗
Statewide, landlords must give at least 90 days' written notice before raising the rent.
atg.wa.gov ↗
In Seattle the notice period is longer: all housing cost increases need 180 days' advance notice.
seattle.gov ↗
In Seattle, a rise of 10% or more within 12 months needs an Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance notice; income-eligible households may get help to move if they leave before it takes effect.
seattle.gov ↗

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In Seattle you have a right to pay your security deposit, move-in fees and last month's rent in instalments. On a lease of 6 months or more, deposits can be split into 6 monthly payments.
seattle.gov ↗
The landlord cannot refuse an instalment plan. The Renting in Seattle helpline is (206) 684-5700.
seattle.gov ↗

External links

Renting in Seattle ↗Landlord-tenant (WA AG) ↗Zumper Seattle rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Schools

Enrolling children in Seattle Public Schools.

New student enrolment for the 2026-27 school year is open. Families enrol online through the district's PowerSchool registration portal.
seattleschools.org ↗
The enrolment link is offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Somali. Staff can help in English, Spanish, Chinese, Amharic, Oromo, Somali and Vietnamese.
seattleschools.org ↗
The district office is the John Stanford Center, 2445 Third Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98134; phone 206-252-0000.
seattleschools.org ↗
The enrolment office is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closes from noon to 4 p.m. every third Wednesday.
seattleschools.org ↗

External links

Enroll (Seattle Public Schools) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Healthcare

Health insurance in Washington.

Washington's health plan marketplace is Washington Healthplanfinder, run by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
wahbexchange.org ↗
Free or low-cost coverage is available through Washington Apple Health, which you can apply for through Healthplanfinder.
maint.wahealthplanfinder.org ↗
Exchange customer support is on 1-855-923-4633 (TTY 1-855-627-9604), 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
wahbexchange.org ↗
Language help and disability accommodations are free.
wahbexchange.org ↗

Show 1 more

Cascade Care is the state's effort to make individual-market coverage more affordable and accessible.
wahbexchange.org ↗

External links

Washington Health Benefit Exchange ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Banking and ID

Social Security numbers, tax IDs and bank accounts.

Noncitizens can usually get a Social Security number only if DHS has authorised them to work. Applying is free; you start online and then visit a Social Security office within 45 days with original documents.
ssa.gov ↗
If you are not eligible for a Social Security number but need a US tax number, apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7.
irs.gov ↗
To open a bank account you usually need photo ID (some banks accept a foreign passport or consular ID), proof of address and an SSN or ITIN. Without an SSN or ITIN you may only be able to open a no-interest account.
files.consumerfinance.gov ↗
Bank deposits are insured by the FDIC up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, at each insured bank.
fdic.gov ↗

Show 1 more

Ask a bank in advance whether it accepts your foreign passport or consular ID, and check minimum balance, ATM and overdraft fees.
files.consumerfinance.gov ↗

External links

SSN for noncitizens (SSA) ↗Opening an account (CFPB) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Driving and cars

Licences, tests and registering a car.

You have 30 days after moving to Washington to get a Washington driver licence. You must book an appointment before visiting a licensing office.
dol.wa.gov ↗
Visitors can use a licence from another country for up to 1 year without getting a Washington licence.
dol.wa.gov ↗
Adults with a licence from Germany, South Korea or British Columbia (Class 5 only) don't need to take tests. Licences from Taiwan and Japan need a translated certification.
dol.wa.gov ↗
With a licence from any other country, you must complete all the steps for a first licence, including the knowledge and drive tests.
dol.wa.gov ↗

Show 3 more

You get a temporary licence valid for 45 days; your old licence is hole-punched and the permanent card is mailed within 7–10 days.
dol.wa.gov ↗
From 1 November 2026, first-time Washington applicants under 25 must complete a free online work zone and first responder safety course.
dol.wa.gov ↗
You need a Washington licence before you can register a vehicle here.
dol.wa.gov ↗

External links

Moving to Washington: licence (DOL) ↗Do I need to take a test? (DOL) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Where people live in Seattle

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 30 Oct 2026. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Belltown

Seattle

1 bedroom$2,325

2 bedroom$3,495

SinglesNightlifeNear the centre

Source: Belltown rent prices — Zumper ↗

South Lake Union

Seattle

1 bedroom$2,694

2 bedroom$3,975

SinglesCouplesNear the centre

Source: South Lake Union rent prices — Zumper ↗

Broadway

Seattle

1 bedroom$1,895

2 bedroom$3,072

SinglesNightlife

Source: Broadway rent prices — Zumper ↗

Lower Queen Anne

Seattle

1 bedroom$2,071

2 bedroom$3,229

CouplesSingles

Source: Lower Queen Anne rent prices — Zumper ↗

Fremont

Seattle

1 bedroom$2,166

2 bedroom$2,917

CouplesSingles

Source: Fremont rent prices — Zumper ↗

University District

Seattle

1 bedroom$1,495

2 bedroom$2,000

StudentsLower rent

Source: University District rent prices — Zumper ↗

Greenwood

Seattle

1 bedroom$1,646

2 bedroom$1,995

FamiliesLower rentQuiet

Source: Greenwood rent prices — Zumper ↗

North Beacon Hill

Seattle

1 bedroom$1,550

2 bedroom$2,100

Lower rentFamilies

Source: North Beacon Hill rent prices — Zumper ↗

Bellevue

Separate city

1 bedroom$2,505

2 bedroom$2,999

FamiliesQuiet

Source: Bellevue, WA rent prices — Zumper ↗

Zumper's average asking rent per month for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom homes listed on Zumper, from each neighbourhood or city page's rent table (pages updated 28 Aug to 31 Oct 2026; North Beacon Hill and Lower Queen Anne were last updated in Aug and Sep). Asking rents for new listings..

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay, leave and rights at work.

Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour in 2026 and $17.73 in 2027.
lni.wa.gov ↗
Seattle's minimum wage is $21.30 an hour in 2026 and $22.14 in 2027. The Office of Labor Standards is on (206) 256-5297.
seattle.gov ↗
Workers earn at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
lni.wa.gov ↗
Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave lets workers take up to 12 weeks of paid time off. Questions: (833) 717-2273.
paidleave.wa.gov ↗

External links

Minimum wage (L&I) ↗Seattle minimum wage ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Universities

Major universities and help for international students.

The University of Washington was founded in 1861.
washington.edu ↗
UW serves more than 60,000 students a year across its campuses, including more than 33,000 undergraduates in Seattle.
washington.edu ↗
UW has campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma, plus UW Medicine.
washington.edu ↗
International students must be accepted by an SEVP-certified school before applying for a student visa. The SEVP Response Center is on 703-603-3400, weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗

External links

Study in the States (DHS) ↗About UW ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Communities and support

Where to get free help and connect with others.

The City's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is at 700 5th Ave, Suite 1616, Seattle; phone (206) 727-8515.
seattle.gov ↗
OIRA's Seattle Legal Defense Network offers free immigration legal help.
seattle.gov ↗
The Ready to Work programme helps people learn English to get a better job.
seattle.gov ↗
OIRA also runs a New Citizen Program.
seattle.gov ↗

External links

OIRA (City of Seattle) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

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