Cost of Living in Richland, WA

With a cost of living index of 110, Richland, WA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 10% more expensive than the national average and 9% below the Washington state average of 119. With a population of 61,912, Richland 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 Richland's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,397 (6% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $401,800 (32% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Richland is $92,550, which is 23% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% 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 Richland. 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.