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Cost of living in Washington

Everyday prices in Washington run 7.0% above the US average, the 46th lowest of 51 states and DC.

By Sol Lakein. Updated November 2026.

Washington next to New York and the US

Longer bar = costs more.1,4,2,3
WashingtonUnited StatesNew York metro

How affordable is Washington?

Rent and home prices next to what households earn.6
$112,600
Typical household incomeA year · 3rd highest of 51
20%
Of income goes to rentA year of 2-bed rent ($1,885/mo) against median income ($112,600). 30th lowest of 51.
5.7
Years of income to buy a home$639,475 median listing against $112,600 income. 39th lowest of 50.

Are people moving to Washington?

9,238 more people moved to Washington from other states than left between July 2024 and July 2025 (Census Bureau estimates).

Where Americans are moving5

Metro areas in Washington

Cheapest first. Tap one for its full cost of living.1,4,2
Price levelUS averageShorter bar = cheaper, longer = pricier
  1. 1Spokane-Spokane Valley, WAAbout the US average
    2-bed rent
    $1,424
    Typical home
    $477,950
    Mortgage
    $2,627/mo
  2. 2Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue11% pricier than average
    2-bed rent
    $2,214
    Typical home
    $749,970
    Mortgage
    $4,121/mo

Washington next to its neighbors

The states that border Washington, on the same measures. The number is each state's national rank on everyday prices.1,4,2
  1. 23Idaho5% cheaper than average
    2-bed rent
    $1,438
    Typical home
    $593,000
    Net moves
    +19,915
  2. 40Oregon3% pricier than average
    2-bed rent
    $1,650
    Typical home
    $550,000
    Net moves
    +2,228
  3. 46WashingtonThis state7% pricier than average
    2-bed rent
    $1,885
    Typical home
    $639,475
    Net moves
    +9,238

Washington by the numbers

Every figure on this page, as tables

Washington next to New York and the US

PlacePrice levelHousingTypical homeMonthly payment2-bedroom rent
Washington107.0126.0$639,475$3,514$1,885
United States100.0100.0$419,250$2,304$1,563
New York metro112.6148.6$742,000$4,078$1,997

Metro areas in Washington

MetroPrice level2-bedroom rentTypical home
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA100.3$1,424$477,950
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue111.1$2,214$749,970

Washington next to its neighbors

StatePrice level2-bedroom rentTypical homeNet moves from other states
Washington107.0$1,885$639,475+9,238
Idaho95.5$1,438$593,000+19,915
Oregon103.4$1,650$550,000+2,228

Net moves from other states

Year (July to July)Net moves from other states
2019-20+38,473
2020-21-14,999
2021-22-3,314
2022-23-17,511
2023-24+1,728
2024-25+9,238

States with a similar cost of living to Washington

Keep comparing

Washington cost of living: questions people ask

What is the cost of living in Washington?

Everyday prices in Washington run 7.0% above the US average, the 46th lowest of 51 states and DC (BEA, 2024). Housing costs, rent included, index at 126.0 against a US average of 100. The median listed home is $639,475 (Realtor.com, September 2026), about $3,514 a month in principal and interest. The median 2-bedroom rent is $1,885 a month, utilities included (Census, 2025). A $150,000 salary in New York buys the same as $142,604 in Washington.

Is Washington cheap or expensive to live in?

More expensive than average. Washington's regional price parity is 107.0, 7.0% above the US average (BEA, 2024).

How much does a house cost in Washington?

The median listed home in Washington is $639,475 as of September 2026 (Realtor.com via FRED), against $419,250 nationally. That ranks 47th lowest of 50. With 20% down at 7.32%, principal and interest run about $3,514 a month.

How much is rent in Washington?

The median gross rent for a 2-bedroom in Washington is $1,885 a month, including utilities the renter pays, against $1,563 for the US (Census American Community Survey, 2025).

What salary in Washington equals $150,000 in New York?

About $142,604, using BEA regional price parities for Washington (107.0) and the New York metro (112.6), 2024.

Are people moving to Washington?

9,238 more people moved to Washington from other states than left between July 2024 and July 2025 (Census Bureau estimates).

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Notes on the numbers
  1. 1Everyday prices, housing costs and price levels: BEA regional price parities via FRED, 2024, where the US average is 100. In ranked lists, 1 is the cheapest.
  2. 2Homes: the typical home is the median listing price, Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026.
  3. 3Mortgage: Principal and interest on the median listed home with 20% down, 30-year fixed at 7.32% (Freddie Mac 30-year fixed average, week of October 22, 2026). Excludes taxes, insurance and HOA.
  4. 4Rent: Census ACS 2025 1-year, median gross rent for 2-bedroom units, including utilities.
  5. 5Net moves: US Census Bureau population estimates, net domestic migration, July to July.
  6. 6Affordability: our arithmetic on Census median gross rent (2025), Census median household income (2025) and Realtor.com median listing price (September 2026). Rank 1 is the most affordable.
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