Why consider living in Washington? Let us count the ways. This beautiful Pacific Northwest state is home to mountains, coastlines, plains, lakes and prairies, offering a nearly unlimited playground for outdoor recreation. Its cities are both regional and national hubs for everything from business to dining. Washington has many other accolades, from being one of the wealthiest states in the union to claiming the top spot for the best state to live in. And, that’s just scratching the surface.
There’s one downside to living here, and that’s that Washington’s cost of living is sometimes high. But, that’s not to say it’s out of reach. Different cities around the state offer a wide range of price points. With the cost of living varying throughout the state, you’re likely to find a city or town that fits your budget. Even better, pretty much every city and town guarantees access to the things you move to Washington to enjoy, like the great outdoors. Here’s a closer look at the cost of living in Washington so you can find the right city for you.
- Housing costs
- Food prices
- Utility costs
- Transportation costs
- Healthcare costs
- Goods and services costs
- Tax rates
- How much do you need to earn to live in Washington?
Washington housing prices
There’s a common misconception that housing costs in Washington are exorbitantly expensive. While it’s true that Seattle is very pricey from a housing standpoint, it doesn’t represent the entirety of the state. You’ll find more reasonable rents and home prices in cities throughout the state, even along the Puget Sound close to Seattle. So, don’t write off Washington just because Seattle’s rental and housing market are intimidating. You have many different options to choose from.
Let’s take a closer look at average rents and housing costs in several top Washington cities.
Bellingham
With a population of 92,289, Bellingham is just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border in northwestern Washington. This coastal city is best known for its wealth of outdoor activities thanks to access to the North Cascades and the islands and waterways of the Salish Sea. When not out boating, hiking or fishing, the city center holds a cottage industry of craft breweries, cafés, restaurants and fun stores and retailers.
Bellingham is a city on the rise, with average rental rates going up from last year. Housing costs here are significantly higher than the national average at 33.2 percent above. The average rent for one-bedroom apartments is $1,750. The average rent for two-bedroom units is $1,850, which is 29 percent higher than last year.
As such a popular outdoorsy city, Bellingham’s housing market is growing. The median sale price to buy a house here is up 17 percent to $687,450. This makes it one of the most expensive housing markets in our highlighted cities.
Olympia
Located at the southern end of Puget Sound, Olympia is the state capital with a population of around 55,919. Residents of this peaceful waterfront city get to enjoy activities like strolling the boardwalk, enjoying lush city parks and immersing themselves in the city’s vast array of cultural offerings.
With one-bedroom apartments going for an average of $1,650 a month and two-bedrooms for $1,875 monthly, housing costs in Olympia are 17.8 percent above the national average. Rates have also gone up over the past year. The cost of one-bedroom apartments is up 12 percent and two-bedroom apartments are up 7 percent.
To buy a house in Olympia, expect a median sale price of $530,000. This price is up 14.6 percent from last year.
Seattle
Seattle almost needs no introduction. Located on the shores of Puget Sound, it’s Washington’s best-known and most populous city. It has a laundry list of accolades, from being the founding city for revolutionary companies like Amazon and Starbucks to its legendary live music and cultural scene. The city center is extremely popular with young professionals thanks to the booming tech industry. But, cozy neighborhoods full of parks and waterfront access also appeal to families.
It’s no surprise that Seattle’s housing costs are among the most expensive in the state. Housing costs here are a whopping 102.2 percent above the national average. And prices are only going up. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is up 15 percent to $2,615. Two-bedroom units cost $3,813, which is up 39 percent from last year. If you’re looking for affordable housing in Seattle, here’s a handy guide to the cheapest neighborhoods in the city.
Similar to rental rates, Seattle’s housing market is a doozy. The median sale price for a home here is $870,000, which is up 7.4 percent from last year.
Spokane
Full of art galleries, breweries, restaurants, shopping and scenic parks right in the heart of town, Spokane is one of eastern Washington’s most vibrant cities. Basketball fans will have a field day living here, as the city is affectionately known as Hooptown U.S.A. thanks to the annual Spokane Hoopfest. As with most Washington cities, outdoor recreation is available either directly in town at parks like Riverfront Park on the Spokane River or in nearby state parks.
At 0.7 percent above the national average, Spokane’s housing costs aren’t astronomically high. You can find a one-bedroom apartment here for $1,650 and a two-bedroom unit for the same price at $1,650. The cost of one-bedroom apartments is up 42 percent, and the average rent for two-bedroom units is up 25 percent from last year.
Spokane’s housing market is one of the more affordable markets in the state. The median sale price is $415,000, which is up 17.9 percent from last year. This is close to the national median sale price of $427,696.
Yakima
Yakima is another major city in eastern Washington, located in the verdant and fertile Yakima Valley. Surrounded by orchards, farms and wineries, locals enjoy a bounty of fresh, local produce. Tourism, the local wine industry and agriculture are top industries here. The Yakima and Naches rivers provide outdoor recreation in the form of fishing and kayaking, and Mount Rainier National Park is only an hour and a half away.
Yakima is the only city on our list where housing costs are below the national average. Housing costs here are 8.9 percent below the national average. Data isn’t available for the average rent for one-bedroom units, but you can find two-bedroom apartments for $1,300 and three-bedrooms for $1,165. These are among the least expensive average rents in our highlighted cities, and it’s actually cheaper to rent a three-bedroom instead of a two-bedroom. Even if you don’t need the extra space, you save $135. These rates have stayed consistent over the past year.
Washington food prices
Washington is a major foodie state, from the famous dining scene in Seattle to renowned wine regions like Walla Walla. Seafood features heavily in the local diet, especially geoducks, mussels, salmon and Dungeness crab. But, the agricultural regions east of the Cascades also churn out fantastic produce. We also must mention Seattle’s famous coffee culture. They did give the world Starbucks, after all.
For all this natural abundance, food costs are on the high side. Total grocery costs in Washington are 9.2 percent above the national average. Washingtonians are almost among the top states for monthly food spending. The average Washington resident spends between $266 and $300 a month on food. Annually, that comes out to between $3,201 and $3,600 per person.
You’ll find some cities in Washington where food costs are below the national average, but most are above:
- Yakima is 1.9 percent below the national average
- Spokane is 4.3 percent above the national average
- Olympia is 11.5 percent above the national average
- Bellingham is 17.3 percent above the national average
- Seattle is 28.6 percent above the national average
Food costs are usually higher in western Washington coastal cities like Seattle, Bellingham and Olympia. A half-gallon of milk costs $2.22 in Seattle compared to $1.83 in Spokane in eastern Washington. Similarly, a dozen eggs cost $1.99 in Bellingham but $1.47 in Spokane. You’ll pay $5.14 in Seattle for a loaf of bread. But in Yakima, you’ll only pay $3.13. So, living east of the Cascade Mountains generally yields less expensive food prices.
In major foodie towns like Seattle and Spokane, the cost of dining out is also high. In both these cities, the bill for a three-course meal for two at a nice restaurant is $85. Date night will be less expensive in Olympia, only setting you back $52.50.
Washington utility prices
The cost of utilities like electricity and water is one of Washington’s few cost of living categories that consistently fall below the national average. With the exception of Seattle, total utility costs in most Seattle cities are lower-than-average:
- Yakima is 16 percent below the national average
- Bellingham is 14.9 percent below the national average
- Olympia is 5.6 percent below the national average
- Spokane is 4.7 percent below the national average
- Seattle is 6.6 percent above the national average
As the sole city with utility costs above the national average, Seattle has the most expensive utility costs. The average total energy bill for the month here is $188.35. You’ll find the least expensive energy costs in Bellingham at $122.73.
The state gets its electricity from a mix of natural gas, nuclear energy, coal and renewables like wind. Some cities like Seattle offer more clean energy options, with hydroelectricity providing nearly 90 percent of the city’s electricity. The water supply comes courtesy of surface water like lakes and rivers, groundwater and snowmelt.
Washingtonians get average water bills of around $57.
Washington transportation prices
Whether by ferry, bus, light rail or personal vehicle, there are all sorts of ways to get around Washington. Every county in Washington has access to some form of mass transit, and cities will often operate their own systems, as well. In some more rural areas, having a car is a necessity. But in other circumstances, taking a Washington State Ferry to cross sounds or using a bus to get around a city is a great option. Not only is using mass transit more eco-friendly, but it can help you save money.
We should note that in most Washington cities, overall transportation costs are higher than the national average:
- Spokane is 4.8 percent below the national average
- Bellingham is 11.4 percent above the national average
- Olympia is 21.3 percent above the national average
- Seattle is 22.3 percent above the national average
- Yakima is 22.4 percent above the national average
Let’s take a closer look at mass transit in the three most populous cities on our list: Seattle, Spokane and Yakima. In Bellingham, the Whatcom Transportation Authority provides bus service around the city and to nearby counties, with starting fares of $1 for in-town fixed routes. Olympia’s Intercity Transit operates routes around the city and is currently offering free rides during a five-year pilot program.
King County Metro, Sound Transit and More in Seattle
Seattle residents enjoy access to a wide variety of transportation options from both government and private agencies. Overall, mass transit options here include buses, streetcars, light link rail, monorail and ferry. Fares vary depending on the type of transit used and duration of use, and the universal ORCA card pays for transit throughout Puget Sound. Using your ORCA comes with the added benefit of reduced rates. With parking in Seattle ranging from $125 to $350 a month, using mass transit is a great money-saver.
King County Metro provides bus service, with one-way fares for $2.75. A day pass ranges between $4 to $8 depending on fare value. Costs for a monthly PugetPass also vary depending on trip value, starting at $18 and going up to $189. The Seattle Streetcar operates in the First Hill and South Lake Union neighborhoods, connecting them to downtown and other mass transit. Fares start at $2.25 for a one-way ride and day passes are $4.50.
Operated by Sound Transit, the Light Link Rail has 16 stops from SeaTac Airport through central Seattle. One-way fares range from $2.25 to $3.50 depending on the length of your trip. For fast and easy access from downtown Seattle to the attractions of the Seattle Center, you can take the Seattle Center Monorail for $3.25 each way. Finally, the Washington State Ferries connect downtown Seattle to places across Puget Sound like Bainbridge Island. Prices vary depending on destination and if you’re bringing a vehicle, but single-ride adult fares to Bainbridge Island are $9.25.
For drivers, there are some tolled routes to know of in the Seattle area. The SR 99 tunnel is a bored highway tunnel running under the city. Toll fares start at $1.20 and go up depending on the day of the week and time. The SR 520 runs east from central Seattle out through the metro area to Redmond, with rates starting at $1.25. There’s a tolled express section of Interstate 405 running through Bellevue in the Seattle metro area.
Thanks to its compact neighborhoods, Seattle also has high walk and bike scores of 86 and 75, respectively. With so many different types of transportation, Seattle has an overall high transportation score of 71.
STA in Spokane
The Spokane Transit Authority serves the city of Spokane with a range of bus routes, rapid transit buses and paratransit options. Riders have 43 different routes to choose from, and starting fare is $2 for an unlimited two-hour ride window. Passes include a day pass for $4, a weekly pass for $17 and a monthly pass for $60. The city has a decent transportation score of 40.
Drivers in Spokane don’t need to worry about toll routes. While there are certain parts of town you can navigate by foot or by bike, it’s not always easy. Spokane has a middling walk score of 55 and a similar bike score of 53.
Yakima Transit in Yakima
The Yakima Transit system connects the citizens of Yakima with different parts of town via 10 different fixed bus routes. One-way rides cost $1, and monthly passes are available for $25. Dial-a-ride service is also available for $2 one-way. However, local transit options only score 32 on the transit score, and the city’s walk score is 48 and the bike score is 49. So, it’s likely a good idea to have your own car in Yakima.
Washington healthcare prices
Although healthcare costs in Washington are higher than the national average, some areas are more expensive than others. Along with location, your personal health is a major contributing factor to healthcare costs. Healthcare in general is a difficult category to find averages for since healthcare costs depend on an individual’s health. If you have a pre-existing condition and require special medication or treatment, you may pay way more for healthcare than your neighbor. That’s why you should view healthcare prices with a grain of salt.
That being said, it’s still a good idea to have a rough overview of what to expect price-wise in different cities. For example, here’s what the average doctor’s office visit costs in these cities:
- Spokane: $163
- Yakima: $117.33
- Seattle: $150
- Bellingham: $146.25
- Olympia: $142.30
Prices can also vary depending on the type of healthcare needed. While Spokane has the highest price for doctor’s office visits, it has one of the lowest average dental check-up rates at $120. The city with the lowest average dental check-up cost is Yakima at $119.67, and the highest is Olympia at $142.50.
Since you’ve seen that healthcare costs can jump around a lot between cities, here’s how total healthcare costs in these cities compare to the national average:
- Spokane is 18.7 percent above the national average
- Yakima is 6.7 percent above the national average
- Seattle is 24.3 percent above the national average
- Bellingham is 20.1 percent above the national average
- Olympia is 26.6 percent above the national average
No matter where you live in Washington, and especially if you live in a major urban center, you’re likely to pay above the national average for healthcare. The upside is that the quality of that care will likely be top-tier. Washington ranks 8th in the nation for healthcare. It’s 9th in the nation for general public health. A healthier population likely means fewer doctor visits apart from your annual routine check-up. It also has high marks for quality of healthcare and access. Seattle in particular is a healthcare hub, thanks to areas like Pill Hill (officially known as First Hill) which has clusters of top-notch medical centers.
Washington goods and services prices
Washington is a pricey state, so the cost of miscellaneous goods and services is also above the national average. These include regular activities like getting a haircut or going to the movies, as well as routine purchases like paying for a pizza or some toothpaste.
Taken all together, here’s how the total cost of these and other goods and services compare to the national average:
- Yakima is 2.2 percent above the national average
- Spokane is 3.1 percent above the national average
- Bellingham is 17.2 percent above the national average
- Olympia is 11.7 percent above the national average
- Seattle is 36.3 percent above the national average
Seattle generally has the highest prices. Getting a haircut costs $36.88 in Seattle but is only $21.07 in Bellingham. If you need to take your clothes to the dry cleaners, it will cost you $22.40 in Seattle compared to $15.93 in Bellingham. As you can see from these price comparisons, cities like Yakima or Spokane that are closer to the national average don’t always have the lowest price. Similarly, Seattle doesn’t always have the highest price. Movie tickets in Seattle cost $13.22, but they’re the most expensive in Bellingham, costing $16.18.
Taxes in Washington
Taxes are an important but sometimes overlooked aspect of moving to a new state or planning a monthly budget. Say that you live in a state with high sales tax. While a couple of extra dollars here and there on grocery trips doesn’t seem like much, it can and will add up over time. Taking note of your state’s tax rates will help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
In Washington, the statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent. If you spend $1,000 stocking up on local Yakima wine or fresh seafood from Seattle seafood markets, you’ll be paying at least $65 extra in sales tax. We say at least because cities and counties can also add their own sales tax:
- Spokane has a combined tax of 9 percent
- Yakima has a combined tax of 8.3 percent
- Seattle has a combined tax of 10.25 percent
- Bellingham has a combined tax of 8.8 percent
- Olympia has a combined tax of 9.4 percent
As you can see, the addition of local sales tax, which can include city and county, drives up the overall sales tax significantly. Unsurprisingly, Seattle has the highest sales tax. For that $1,000 seafood purchase, you’ll be paying $102.50 in sales tax. While still well above the statewide rate, Yakima has the lowest sales tax of our highlighted cities. You can use this search tool to find out the tax rate of any location in Washington.
There’s a bright side to those high sales taxes, though. Washington is one of the handful of states that do not levy an individual income tax. So, you’re not being taxed on your salary or income. It also doesn’t have a corporate income tax, instead levying a public utility or business and occupation (B&O) for those engaging in business in the state. This is one reason Washington is a hub for major corporations, start-ups and businesses. This also contributes to Washington as being one of the wealthiest states in the country.
How much do I need to earn to live in Washington?
Overall, the cost of living in Washington is high. So, how much do you need to make to afford living here?
Housing is usually the biggest monthly expense, so experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on housing costs like rent. To follow this rule, you’d need to make a minimum of $6,740 a month or $80,880 annually to comfortably afford Washington’s average rent of $2,022. Annual salaries range from $33,534 to $134,606, so people working in lower-paid industries may struggle to follow the 30 percent rule if living alone. But living with roommates or as a family unit can help with high housing costs, as the median household income is $77,006.
Our rent calculator can help you quickly figure out what you can afford to pay in rent based on factors like location, income and expenses.
Living in Washington
No matter where you live in Washington, you’ll get to enjoy all the treasures this state offers. That ranges from scenic outdoor escapes to delicious local food. Best of all, a Washington lifestyle is accessible to a wide range of budgets thanks to the many diverse cities and towns around the state.
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