Washington cost of living
Moving to a new state can be exciting, overwhelming, fun and challenging all at the same time. A new area can provide you with fresh opportunities and expose you to new experiences. But moving also has its downsides, like having to build new social connections and support systems and navigating unfamiliar territory.
Moving can also be expensive and emotionally taxing. Knowing the cost of living in the area you’re moving to will help you prepare for your relocation, no matter why you’re on the move. If you’re considering a move to Washington, read on to learn more about the cost of living.
The median rent in Washington is $1,768.61, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Washington spend $287.67 weekly on food at home and $106.18 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.37 in Washington.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Washington pay $1,272 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Washington
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Washington is $1,768.61, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Washington broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Washington had a median cost of $1,447 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,623 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,906 and $2,315, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Washington is $670,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price for a home in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro was $755,300 in the first quarter of 2024.
Single-family home prices vary by metropolitan region, however. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that the median sales price for homes in the Kennewick-Richland area, which is in the eastern part of the state, was $426,900 in the first quarter of 2024. That’s up about $46,000 from 2021. Prices are slightly lower in Spokane, also in eastern Washington, with median single-family home prices at $405,400.
NAR data shows home prices are also on the rise in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area, and prices are much higher there than in eastern Washington. The median sales price in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area was $755,300 in the first quarter of 2024. In 2021, prices were closer to $700,000.
As of publishing, the most affordable metro area in Washington is Yakima, with a median price for single-family homes of $341,500.
Washington ranks No. 29 for highest effective property tax rate in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.87%.
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Food costs in Washington
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Washington is $287.67, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Washington residents spend an average of $106.18 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Washington
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Washington is $4.37, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Washington is $1,110.41, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Our data shows that the average fare per public transit trip in Washington’s most populous city, Seattle, was $1.57 in 2022. Seattle ranked in the top 10 in our recent study on the cities with the best public transportation because of its comprehensive system utilizing buses, trains and ferries to link its communities.
Health care costs in Washington
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Washington employees $1,272 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,898 of the $7,170 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Washington
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Washington is $103.84, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Washington costs $15.45 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Seattle, Washington?
According to a 2024 ConsumerAffairs study on the income required to live in major U.S. cities, you’d need a salary of $87,146.08 to live comfortably in Seattle.
How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Spokane, Washington?
A recent report from ConsumerAffairs found that it takes a salary of $58,838.52 to live comfortably in Spokane. That shakes out to an hourly rate of $28.29.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
