Cost of Living in Mead, WA

With a cost of living index of 103, Mead, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 3% more expensive than the national average and 16% below the Washington state average of 119. Mead is a smaller community of 7,184 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mead's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,216 (8% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $379,600 (24% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Mead is $76,010, which is 1% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Mead. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.8°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 17.4 inches spread over roughly 119 days.

Everyday prices in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, 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.