Washington cost of living

The average cost of living in Washington

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Washington was $60,528 in 2023. This figure reflects what Washington residents typically spend each year on housing, health care, food, energy and other goods and services.

Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Washington:

Housing costs in Washington

For most Washington residents, housing expenses form the largest part of their monthly budget. Data from 2025 shows the average rent in Washington is $1,847, which is higher than the current national average of $1,639. Rental costs can shift significantly based on location and property size. Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 survey, average monthly rents in Washington are:

• One-bedroom rent: $1,533
• Two-bedroom rent: $1,752
• Three-bedroom rent: $2,002
• Four-bedroom rent: $2,401

If homeownership is your goal, the median home price in Washington is $651,900, which is much more than the U.S. median of $446,638. Property taxes are also a consideration, as residents pay a rate of 0.75% — placing Washington among the states with some of the highest effective property tax rates.

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Food costs in Washington

What you spend at the grocery store in Washington will depend on your family size, dietary choices and how often you eat out. The latest U.S. Census data shows the average Washington household spends $287.67 each week on groceries, compared with a national average of $270.21.

Washington’s urban areas, like Seattle and Bellevue, typically see higher restaurant and grocery prices, especially for specialty and organic items. However, families in smaller towns or rural communities may find lower prices by shopping at local markets or buying in bulk. Cooking at home can help manage costs, but frequent dining out — particularly in metropolitan regions — quickly adds up.

Transportation costs in Washington

Drivers in Washington pay an average of $4.40 per gallon for regular gas, which can be compared with the U.S. average of $3.13. Insurance costs are another factor — the average annual premium in Washington is $1,125.17, while the national figure is $1,258.

Health care costs in Washington

Washington employees with employer-sponsored health insurance contribute an average of $1,201 each year toward their premiums. Employers cover the balance, paying $6,694 out of the total annual premium of $7,895.

Nationally, employees pay an average contribution of $1,640 toward a total premium of $8,182.

Utility costs in Washington

The typical electric bill in Washington comes to $107.35 per month, versus a national average of $136.84. For natural gas, Washington residents pay $16.59 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $12.92 elsewhere.