Monthly Breakdown for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, and Realists

Seattle had a lot of charm I didn’t expect — Pike Place Market, Lumen Field, and ferry rides to quiet island towns were absolutely worth it. But alongside the beauty, there were moments I couldn’t overlook.

The drug and homelessness crisis? Real. I got home by 6pm each day, without exception. Even near the tech corridors like Google and Amazon, safety was something I actively managed. McDonald’s near Pike Place? I saw ambulances almost daily.

It’s not about fear — it’s about knowing the full picture before you go.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD3,200
→ Stayed close to a transit station for ease and safety
→ High cost, but peace of mind was non-negotiable
🍽️ Food: ~SGD70/day
→ Tipping culture adds up fast — SGD30 meals easily turned into SGD40
→ Good range of international cuisine helped ease homesickness
🚇 Transport: SGD200
→ Mainly trains and short ride-share trips
→ Reliable and clean, especially near central areas
🎟️ Activities: SGD300
→ Ferries to nearby islands — scenic and calming
→ Lumen Field events and Pike Place Market were trip highlights
💄 Grooming: SGD200
→ Haircut, basic skincare, and personal care items

Total: ~SGD6,070 (excluding activities)

📌 On a tight budget? You could manage Seattle from ~SGD3,200/month with shared housing and fewer paid activities.

🏡 Where to Stay in Seattle: as a solo traveller

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Hotels: Safer, but expensive for long stays
✅ Airbnb/Serviced Units: Good options if near major train lines — just check safety reviews

📌 Book near transit stations. It makes daily movement safer and smoother.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Seattle (SGD70/day)

✔️ Tons of international cuisines — Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese
✔️ Pike Place Market has plenty of food stalls and produce

📌 Expect most meals to cost more after tipping. Add 15–20% to everything.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD200 for the Month)

✔️ Public transport works — especially if you stay central
✔️ Ride-share was safe, especially when avoiding night walks

📌 Seattle is walkable in daylight. Evenings? Best to head home.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ WiFi was fast and reliable
✔️ I worked mostly from home — cafes exist, but I preferred to stay in

📌 Good for remote workers who don’t rely on co-working vibes

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Seattle

→ Pike Place Market – lively, but come early
→ Ferries to nearby islands – great for a quiet day out
→ Lumen Field – if an event’s on, go
→ Gas Works Park – peaceful and scenic, both day and night

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD6,070 Worth It?

✔️ For comfort, access to scenic spots, and food variety? Yes.
✔️ For solo travelers aware of safety dynamics? It’s manageable.
✔️ But if you’re expecting a walkable, relaxed city vibe? Maybe not.

Seattle gave me both inspiration and caution.
Go with open eyes — and you’ll still find the beauty.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Remote workers who value food and nature
• Travellers with awareness of urban safety
• People okay with early evenings in and daylight exploring