Cost of Living in Pullman, WA

With a cost of living index of 101, Pullman, WA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 1% more expensive than the national average and 18% below the Washington state average of 119. With a population of 31,939, Pullman 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 Pullman's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,010 (23% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $401,700 (32% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8.9x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Pullman is $45,097, which is 40% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Pullman. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.6°F, with summers averaging 65°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 17.5 inches spread over roughly 114 days.

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.