Cost of Living in Olympia, WA

With a cost of living index of 121, Olympia, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 21% more expensive than the national average and in line with the Washington state average. With a population of 55,583, Olympia 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 Olympia's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,509 (14% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $457,900 (50% 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 Olympia is $76,930, which is 2% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Olympia. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.5°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches spread over roughly 163 days.

Everyday prices in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, 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.