Federal Way, WA vs Lacey, WA

Federal Way, WA and Lacey, WA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Federal Way scores 133 while Lacey scores 127 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Federal Way is $1,738/month compared to $1,805/month in Lacey — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Federal Way has cheaper rent, Lacey actually has lower median home values ($427,900 vs $499,600).

Median household income in Federal Way is $82,144 compared to $87,277 in Lacey (-5.9%). Lacey offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Federal Way spend roughly 25.4% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in Lacey.

Climate-wise, Federal Way is notably warmer with an average of 53.7°F compared to 50.5°F in Lacey. Lacey receives more rainfall at 50.6" per year compared to 39.3" in Federal Way.