Federal Way, WA vs Pasco, WA

The cost of living difference between Federal Way, WA and Pasco, WA is dramatic. Pasco is 34.1% cheaper than Federal Way, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Federal Way has a cost index of 133 while Pasco sits at 99, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Federal Way is $1,738/month compared to $1,201/month in Pasco — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pasco is more affordable at $344,700 median vs $499,600.

Median household income in Federal Way is $82,144 compared to $81,130 in Pasco (+1.2%). Federal Way does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Federal Way spend roughly 25.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17.8% in Pasco.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53.7°F vs 53.3°F). Federal Way receives more rainfall at 39.3" per year compared to 7.6" in Pasco.