Seattle wrestles with sharp inflation as energy bills soar.

Seattle is grappling with one of the nation’s highest inflation rates (4.5% in June), driven mainly by energy costs: gas around $5.30 a gallon and electricity bills rising sharply, with Seattle utilities up about 48.5% since 2024 and rate hikes planned for 2027–29. Rent and everyday expenses squeeze households—commuters like Britney Johnson spend about $1,700 on rent and $200 on utilities while cutting back on dining and groceries; many people, including tech workers, report budget-driven sacrifices and job insecurity as energy costs and the cost of living stay high. The piece notes how energy regulation, data-center demand, and the region’s high base costs are widening the gap for middle-class families.