Cost of Living in Kennewick, WA

With a cost of living index of 99, Kennewick, WA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 1% cheaper than the national average and 20% below the Washington state average of 119. With a population of 84,389, Kennewick 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 Kennewick's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,199 (9% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $343,600 (13% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Kennewick is $72,867, which is 3% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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 Kennewick. 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.