Cost of Living in College Place, WA

With a cost of living index of 96, College Place, WA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 4% cheaper than the national average and 24% below the Washington state average of 119. College Place is a smaller community of 9,828 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in College Place's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,118 (15% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $335,000 (10% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in College Place is $59,768, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to College Place. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.3°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 18.7 inches spread over roughly 109 days.

Everyday prices in the Walla Walla, 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.