Cost of Living in Benton City, WA

With a cost of living index of 91, Benton City, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 9% cheaper than the national average and 28% below the Washington state average of 119. Benton City is a small community of 3,559 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Benton City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,159 (12% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $262,800 (14% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Benton City is $52,581, which is 30% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Benton City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.3°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 36°F. Annual rainfall totals 7.6 inches spread over roughly 77 days.

Everyday prices in the Kennewick-Richland, WA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.