SeaTac's economy is inextricably linked to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the Port of Seattle. The airport is the primary economic engine of the city, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs.
Because of the airport, the local economy is heavily weighted toward the hospitality and logistics sectors. SeaTac boasts the highest concentration of hotel rooms in Washington State, alongside numerous rental car agencies, off-site parking facilities, and freight forwarding companies. Alaska Airlines, a major national carrier, is headquartered in the city and is one of the region's largest employers.
The cost of living in SeaTac is generally lower than the King County average, though it has been rising due to the regional housing crunch. The local government focuses heavily on leveraging airport-related commerce while trying to develop a more diversified, pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor near the light rail stations.