Cost of Living in Fife, WA

With a cost of living index of 135, Fife, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 35% more expensive than the national average and 15% above the Washington state average of 119. Fife is a smaller community of 10,902 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fife's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,836 (39% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $480,600 (58% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Fife is $90,515, which is 20% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 Fife. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.9°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 42°F. Annual rainfall totals 42 inches spread over roughly 168 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.