Aalu,
Downtown is expensive with parking, most people use public transportation, which is not that bad compared to other cities. Living expenses is quiet high compared to Minn, no matter how far you go from downtown. I'd recommend you find a place with easy bus excess to downtown like Queen Ann, Ballard or U-District (a little rough, number of Nepali live there though). Do NOT live in Capital Hill or China Town, both close to downtown, but you pay the price for it, the crime rate is bit high. On the East side, Bellevue and Kirkland are better location (bit pricy)but the commute can be pain since you have to cross a lake everyday and there are only 2 bridge, they're planning to put toll (pain in the ass). Winter is long and rainy, summer is like in Nepal (no humidity unless you go towards the Eastern Washington),lots of outdoor activities-Mountians, Ocean, lakes, rain forest and many more. White, Asian and hispans but few blacks. All and all, a good place to live- Welcome to the North West.