Cost of Living in Edmonds, WA

With a cost of living index of 164, Edmonds, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 64% more expensive than the national average and 45% above the Washington state average of 119. With a population of 42,783, Edmonds is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Edmonds's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,850 (40% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $840,200 (176% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Edmonds is $116,095, which is 54% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Edmonds. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.4°F, with summers averaging 62°F and winters around 41°F. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches spread over roughly 178 days.

Everyday prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 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.