Cost of Living in Mountlake Terrace, WA

With a cost of living index of 149, Mountlake Terrace, WA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 49% more expensive than the national average and 30% above the Washington state average of 119. Mountlake Terrace is a smaller community of 21,419 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mountlake Terrace's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,966 (49% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $606,100 (99% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Mountlake Terrace is $101,404, which is 35% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% 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 Mountlake Terrace. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.2°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.8 inches spread over roughly 163 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.