Seattle residents say they are in 'survival mode,' selling homes as high prices squeeze middle class

The article is a broader economic commentary on Seattle households feeling squeezed by persistent inflation, rising housing costs, food prices, gas, insurance, and restaurant expenses. It highlights one Seattle-area family selling its home and downsizing as budgets tighten, alongside other residents cutting back on driving and takeout. The piece notes Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue consumer prices rose 4.5% year over year in June, still above the U.S. 3.5% rate, underscoring that local inflation remains elevated. It also references Microsoft-linked job uncertainty, with recent layoffs and buyouts adding to anxiety around tech employment. Overall, the article points to continued cost-of-living pressure, weaker consumer spending, and a more cautious outlook for Seattle-area households and the local economy.