Living in Washington offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban energy, but what does it cost to call the state home? The cost of living in Washington in 2025 is significantly above the national average – about 34% higher overall. Housing is the biggest factor, with prices sitting roughly 53% above the U.S. average, though utility costs are slightly more affordable. Based on current estimates, a single person in Washington spends around $17,900 per year, while a family of four needs over $65,100 annually (excluding rent). From housing to transportation, we’ll compare Washington’s living costs with U.S. averages, giving you a clear picture of what to expect in the Evergreen State.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The cost of living in Washington State is most affected by housing.
- Cheaper cities, such as Yakima, Kennewick, and Spokane, offer affordable alternatives to high-priced urban centers.
- Seattle is the most expensive city in the state.
- No state income tax helps offset higher costs in other areas.
Housing Costs
Washington’s median rent prices equal the national average, but home values paint a different picture. WA’s home values currently stand at $596,514 according to Zillow, while the U.S. average is much lower at $357,138.
Below is a snapshot of key Washington cities and their average home values:
| City/County | Average Home Value |
| Seattle | $871,963 |
| Spokane | $383,625 |
| Kennewick | $417,448 |
| Wenatchee | $472,257 |
| Shelton | $417,174 |
| Walla Walla | $402,681 |
| Pullman | $423,885 |
| Olympia | $532,236 |
| Bellingham | $657,604 |
| Yakima | $345,114 |
Utilities
If you want your budget to match the average cost of living in Washington state, make sure you’re not overpaying for utilities. The average WA resident pays about $613 for utilities each month, slightly over the national average of $609. Let’s break down these averages.
| Utility | Washington | U.S. Average |
| Gas | $79.00 | $80.33 |
| Electricity | $103.84 | $135.25 |
| Water | $75.00 | $39.16 |
| Sewer | $64.84 | $71.16 |
| Internet & Cable | $125.00 | $118.00 |
| Phone | $166.00 | $166.00 |
| Total | $613.68 | ~$609.90 |
Groceries
Washington residents spend about $4,543 per year on groceries (roughly $379 per month). The grocery cost index — a tool that compares prices across regions by setting the national average at 100 — reveals that many metro areas in Washington face higher grocery costs. An index above 100 indicates that grocery prices are more expensive than the national average, as seen in Seattle’s 115.5.
The grocery cost index for major metro areas in Washington is as follows:
| City/County | Grocery Cost Index |
| Kent | 115.3 |
| Seattle | 115.5 |
| Tacoma | 111.7 |
| Spokane | 110.1 |
| Kitsap County | 109.6 |
| Mount Vernon‑Skagit County | 109.2 |
| Bellingham | 108.9 |
| Olympia | 108.3 |
| Kennewick‑Richard‑Pasco | 104.7 |
| Moses Lake | 106.4 |
| Yakima | 104.5 |
Healthcare Expenses
Health spending per capita encompasses all personal healthcare, including hospital services, doctor visits, and prescription drugs, divided by the state’s population. This measure even factors in hospital revenues after adjustments, such as discounts and bad debts. In Washington, the average healthcare spend per person is $9,265, compared to a national average of $10,191.
Transportation
In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that Washington households spent 14.4 % of their budget on transportation. The national average at the time was 16,9 %. In Washington, of the $14,771 spent annually on transportation, 86.4% goes toward purchasing and maintaining private vehicles, compared to 92.3% nationwide.
Taxes
Washington’s tax system is unique. Instead of a traditional individual income tax, residents pay a 7.0% tax on capital gains, and businesses are subject to a gross receipts tax rather than a corporate income tax. The state’s base sales tax is 6.50%, which rises to an average of 9.38% when local taxes are included, and homeowners benefit from an effective property tax rate of 0.76% on owner-occupied homes.
On average, Washington collects approximately $6,644 per person in state and local taxes, despite carrying a per capita debt of $11,632. By contrast, in 2021, middle-income families nationwide paid a total of roughly $17,902 in taxes, with $10,391 of that amount going toward federal income tax.
FAQ
Still got questions about Washington’s cost of living? Hopefully, we address them below!
What Is the Most Expensive City in Washington State?
Seattle tops the list due to its booming economy and high demand for housing. The cost of living in Seattle, Washington, especially housing, far exceeds both the state and national averages.
What Are the Cheapest Cities to Live in Washington?
These locations stand out for their affordable homes, manageable expenses, and easy access to everyday essentials: Yakima, Kennewick, Tacoma, Walla Walla, Spokane
Is it Cheaper to Live in WA or CA?
Generally, Washington tends to have a lower overall cost of living than California. While both states have expensive urban centers, Washington’s absence of state income tax and slightly lower housing costs (outside of Seattle) make it comparatively more affordable.
What Is a Good Salary to Live Comfortably in Washington?
A comfortable lifestyle in Washington often requires a household income that covers higher-than-average living expenses. For a family of four, an annual revenue of around $100,000 to $120,000 is quite comfortable.
Sources
- Zillow. “Home Values in Washington.” Zillow. Accessed 20 June 2025.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. “Health Care Expenditures per Capita by State of Residence.” KFF. Accessed 20 June 2025.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Consumer Expenditures in the Washington Metropolitan Area.” BLS. Accessed 21 June 2025.
- Tax Foundation. “Taxes In Washington.” Taxfoundation. Accessed 21 June 2025.