What's the Cost of Living in Washington?

Are you considering moving to Washington and learning more about the actual cost of living? Let's take a look at the overall cost of living, average household income, real estate, and other expenses. 

Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the country, Washington has become a hotspot for families, retirees, and young professionals. With a total of 7.5 million residents, and even more tourists each year, Washington is exceptionally well known for its stunning national parks, snow-capped volcanic mountains, and breathtaking landscape. 

Washington offers residents and tourists many fun activities, historical monuments, national parks, and a passionate sports fanbase. Check out Seattle to watch the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks in action. Also, make sure to take a look at the cost of living in Seattle, as it is one of the more expensive cities in Washington.

Washington State boasts breathtaking natural scenery and famous national parks, including the must-see Olympic National Park. All in all, Washington has an abundance of offerings, and you are sure to fall in love with the state. Make sure you read up on the best places to live in Washington. 

From bustling cities to gorgeous miles and miles of rural landscape, Washington has everything you could possibly need. No matter what you're looking for in a new home, it is most important first to figure out how much it will cost you. Let's examine the complete list of expenses in Washington.

Here is everything you need to know about the cost of living in Washington

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Washington is 3% higher than the national average. This includes many significant expenses and more minor everyday expenses. Housing costs are 2% lower, utilities are 12% lower, groceries are 14% higher, and transportation costs are 5% higher than the national average.

Remember that these statistics are just averages accumulated from many different factors across the entire state and may not equate to how much you will be spending. Although, the overall cost of living will give you a good idea of how much you will need to make to live comfortably in a new area. 

Looking a little closer at popular cities in Washington, compared to the national average, Seattle is 50% higher, Vancouver is 4% higher, Spokane is 3% higher, Tacoma is 23% higher, and Bellevue is 68% higher. Remember that larger cities across the country have a much higher cost of living than the national average.

But many other, more affordable cities in Washington could be perfect for your budget, lifestyle, and family size. Check out the cost of living in Spokane, as it is one of the most popular cities in all of Washington. 

Here are some typical costs of living aspects according to Payscale. 

Ensure that you consider that there are many other everyday expenses that are not a part of the overall cost of living. These costs depend on your lifestyle decisions and can vary greatly depending on where you live and shop. Fortunately, the cost of living in Washington is barely higher than the national average, meaning you'll be spending about the same amount as the average person in the U.S. 

Real Estate

If you're looking for one of the best places to live in the country, then Washington is for you. Not only are the houses and landscape absolutely stunning, but the housing prices are 2% lower than the national average. This may not seem like a huge difference, but it will save you a great deal of money in the long run that you can now use on the things you really want to buy. 

Housing prices can vary depending on home size, location, and more. Luckily, you can pick from many beautiful single-family homes, townhomes, and condos across the state. No matter what you are looking for, there are many beautiful cities like Seattle and Vancouver and towns like Spokane Valley and Port Angeles. 

Before moving to larger cities like Seattle or Spokane, make sure you know everything you can about their cost of living, real estate, transportation, and more. 

The median home values vary around $400,000 in the major cities and can be cheaper in smaller towns around the state. Housing prices are a bit higher in Washington, but luckily other expenses like utilities are much lower than the national average. Although, keep in mind that the real estate market is subject to change and that prices and listings will vary. 

No matter which city you land in, working with an experienced real estate agent is recommended, and luckily, UpHomes is here to help you along the way and ensure that you find the perfect home for you in Washington. 

Income

The average salary in Washington is $57,452 annually, approximately $28 an hour. Salaries will, of course, depend on your occupation, experience, and other factors. Some of the top-paying jobs in the state are pediatric Anesthesiologist, Pediatric Dermatologist, and Dental anesthesiologist. 

Most high-paying jobs in Washington center around the medical field because Washington has many highly-rated hospitals. There are also many other major companies with headquarters in Washington.

You might be surprised to know that Amazon's headquarters is located in Seattle, which brings in all sorts of job opportunities. Other major companies based in Washington include Starbucks and Microsoft. No matter what type of job you are looking for, you are bound to find it here in Washington, then all you have to do is find that perfect home. 

Food

Grocery and food costs can surprisingly add up quickly and vary depending on where you shop, your lifestyle, and your family size. Understanding the average amount you are likely to spend on food in your new city is crucial.

Grocery prices will also vary greatly depending on where you shop. In Washington, groceries are 14% higher than the national average. Although, remember that this percentage averages every city and town in Washington and does not necessarily mean that groceries in your new hometown will be 14% higher. 

Still, prices can be a bit higher, although you will have many opportunities to buy local produce or cheaper grocery stores around the state. The prices may be a bit higher, but the food in Washington is mouthwatering. Check out restaurants by the water for amazing seafood, local coffee shops for the morning, and its abundance of eastern vineyards. 

Here are the average prices of everyday grocery items according to Payscale.

Check out some of the local favorite restaurants below:

• Altura: Experience elevated Italian cuisine featuring handmade pasta plates, a delectable menu, and expert wine pairings, all in a cozy atmosphere in Seattle, Washington.  
• Ursa Minor: Check out some of the best locally sourced seafood with a fine dining experience. 
• Carnal: Focused on live-fire cooking, this restaurant combines unique dishes and a cozy atmosphere to create an unforgettable meal. 

Taxes

Taxes are often considered an overlooked expense but can cost you money at the end of each year. One of the many perks of Washington is the no personal income tax, although the sales taxes are some of the highest in the country.

The state imposes a 6.5% sales tax on all retail sales, which can vary depending on the city, town, or county around the state. Luckily, this sales tax excludes most grocery-type foods, meaning you won't have to pay any extra taxes.

The state of Washington has a property tax rate lower than the national average, which stands at 0.99%. Washington's property tax rate is specifically 0.84%. Tax exemptions and property tax deferrals are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities through two tax benefit programs. 

In the 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index, Washington's tax system has been ranked 28th. This puts the state in the middle of high and low taxes nationwide.

Transportation

Transportation options across Washington vary depending on where you are. In the major cities, buses and subway systems help you get around. On top of this, many of the cities are highly walkable, which would be the cheapest and easiest way to travel.

The state has a light rail, express buses, and commuter trains. This is all conducted by Sound Transit, an intercity transit system made to make your life easier as a resident or tourist. Fares will depend on your age, distance, and location. You can check out the Sound Transit website for more information. 

Additionally, there are many ferries, trolleys, high-speed ferries, and of course, Uber, Lyft, and taxis at your service.

If you're living in the suburbs or city, you may want your own vehicle for more accessible transport to where you need to go. Gas prices are currently close to the national average, but it's important to keep in mind that they can vary significantly based on factors such as the time of year and the type of car you have. On average, you can expect to pay around $3.58 per gallon.

Healthcare 

On average, the cost of health insurance in Washington is $6,230 per year. For a family of four, healthcare is around $24,920. This is lower than the national average of healthcare prices.

Although, many people can qualify for discounted rates based on their income and family size. It is essential to find the right plan for you in any state. Be aware that health insurance costs are unique to each individual, as everyone has different health needs, and injuries can be unexpected, so it is always good to be prepared.

Here are some of the most affordable plans available in Washington.

Healthcare prices will vary even more depending on where you go, the specialized service you need, and the type of insurance plan you have. 

FAQ: Cost of Living in Washington

Here are some commonly asked questions about the cost of living in Washington.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Washington?

On average, a person without children requires a yearly income of approximately $41,051 to maintain a comfortable standard of living. However, a family of five needs around $127,163 annually to live comfortably.

Is Washington an affordable place to live?

The overall cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, and many larger cities have a higher-than-average cost. However, Washington has many cheaper areas, cities, and towns.

Is it worth it to move to Washington State?

Washington is known for its natural beauty, fun cities, and unique culture. Many people are moving to the state for the affordable cost of living and fun activities. Overall, it is a great place to live as a family, retiree, or young professional. 

Where is the cheapest to live in WA?

Washington has many affordable cities and towns, including Spokane, Kelso, Cheney, and Yakima. 

Does Washington have an income tax?

No! Residents in Washington don't have to pay any personal or corporate income tax. 

Moving to Washington - Final Words

Washington is a unique and beautiful state with plenty of amazing cities and even better homes waiting for you to check out. Consider everything before deciding on your future home, starting with the cost of living. 

Washington has several unique cities and towns, such as Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Spokane. Gathering as much information as possible beforehand is essential when deciding on a place to live. This is especially crucial when considering a move to a new state like Washington, where there are many important factors to consider. Check out everything you need to know before moving to Vancouver if you're interested in the city. 

Whether you decide to move to Washington for its stunning scenery, a job opportunity, or a fresh start, our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams. If you are ready to find that perfect home, don't hesitate to contact one of our helpful Realty Specialists or check out some fantastic homes for sale in Washington.