Cost of Living in Fife Heights, WA

With a cost of living index of 170, Fife Heights, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 70% more expensive than the national average and 50% above the Washington state average of 119. Fife Heights is a small community of 1,508 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fife Heights's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,659 (102% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $602,700 (98% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Fife Heights is $135,156, which is 80% 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 more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fife Heights. 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.