Cost of Living in Washington

Washington has a cost of living index of 119, making it 19% more expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $90,795 (21% above the US median of $75,149). Across 577 cities tracked in Washington, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Washington cities is $1,488/mo (13% above the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $467,132 (53% above the national figure of $304,900). There is a 194-point spread between the most affordable city, Clarkston (index 75), and the most expensive, Mercer Island (index 269) — an enormous range that reflects dramatic differences in housing markets within the state.

While Washington is expensive, the higher median income partially offsets these costs. Prospective residents should evaluate specific cities, since some areas within the state are significantly more affordable than others.

The largest cities in Washington by population are Seattle (index 175, pop. 741,440), Spokane (index 97, pop. 229,228), Tacoma (index 125, pop. 220,482), Vancouver (index 123, pop. 192,696), and Bellevue (index 214, pop. 151,199). Cost of living varies considerably even among these major population centers, highlighting the importance of comparing individual cities rather than relying on the state average alone.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.