Cost of Living in Tukwila, WA

With a cost of living index of 132, Tukwila, WA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 32% more expensive than the national average and 12% above the Washington state average of 119. Tukwila is a smaller community of 21,479 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Tukwila's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,786 (35% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $462,800 (52% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Tukwila is $80,534, which is 7% higher 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 Tukwila. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.7°F, with summers averaging 66°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches spread over roughly 156 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.