Rent & Housing in Washington
Based on comprehensive economic data across 195 tracked municipalities, Washington presents diverse cost of living environments. Macroeconomic modeling identifies Clarkston as the most cost-efficient market, contrasting starkly with the elevated real estate valuations found in Mercer Island. Washington offers a highly favorable tax environment with 0% state income tax, though typical property tax rates hover around 0.98%. Financial planning in WA requires careful alignment of localized housing costs against state-level tax obligations.
Use this state hub to understand the statewide housing baseline first, then drop into city pages for a household-level feasibility verdict. The key question here is not just whether Washington is “cheap” or “expensive”, but which cities look most livable once rent, home values, taxes, and household income are considered together.
Washington shows elevated statewide housing pressure, with 20% average rent burden and 5.9x home-price-to-income. Treat Mercer Island, WA as stretch markets first, and use city pages to separate viable relocation pockets from headline expensive metros.
Washington Tax Radar
At a gross income of $74,580, Washington enforces a highly favorable 0% effective state tax burden. Compared to standard progressive tax states, moving your payroll here cleanly sidesteps any immediate state-level penalty deductions on your paycheck.
Lower Housing Pressure Cities
These city pages have comparatively lower rent burden inside Washington, making them strong candidates for the next housing-feasibility clicks.
Biggest Move-Market Cities
These are the highest-population city pages in the state, useful when you want the major relocation targets before exploring the full table.
Rent Pressure Outliers
These city pages show the highest rent burden inside Washington. They are useful when you want to see where renting starts to materially squeeze household budgets.
Buy Pressure Outliers
These city pages have the toughest home-price-to-income ratios in Washington, making them the first places to inspect when buy-side affordability is the core concern.
All Cities in Washington
| City | Pop. | Home Value | Rent | Income | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 741,440 | $848,869 | $1,998 | $121,984 | 172 |
| Spokane | 229,228 | $389,884 | $1,456 | $65,745 | 111 |
| Tacoma | 220,482 | $454,600 | $1,755 | $83,857 | 124 |
| Vancouver | 192,696 | $502,813 | $1,769 | $78,156 | 129 |
| Bellevue | 151,199 | $1,485,210 | $2,582 | $161,300 | 252 |
| Kent | 135,015 | $646,049 | $1,943 | $90,416 | 148 |
| Everett | 111,083 | $652,113 | $1,918 | $81,502 | 148 |
| Spokane Valley | 105,460 | $404,483 | $1,247 | $70,722 | 110 |
| Renton | 105,279 | $750,897 | $2,170 | $96,626 | 162 |
| Federal Way | 99,232 | $591,074 | $1,872 | $82,144 | 141 |
| Yakima | 96,810 | $273,400 | $1,075 | $59,228 | 94 |
| Bellingham | 92,367 | $577,400 | $1,908 | $65,821 | 139 |
| Kirkland | 91,614 | $1,248,259 | $2,469 | $143,533 | 223 |
| Auburn | 85,455 | $604,922 | $1,713 | $95,367 | 140 |
| Kennewick | 84,389 | $343,600 | $1,199 | $72,867 | 103 |
| Pasco | 78,446 | $344,700 | $1,201 | $81,130 | 103 |
| Redmond | 75,721 | $1,374,110 | $2,355 | $162,099 | 236 |
| Marysville | 71,570 | $625,314 | $1,863 | $100,362 | 144 |
| South Hill | 68,161 | $493,800 | $1,916 | $109,235 | 126 |
| Sammamish | 66,375 | $1,596,581 | $2,728 | $227,273 | 266 |
| Lakewood | 63,034 | $420,500 | $1,734 | $70,524 | 120 |
| Richland | 61,912 | $401,800 | $1,397 | $92,550 | 112 |
| Shoreline | 59,280 | $810,774 | $1,938 | $113,336 | 167 |
| Lacey | 57,088 | $511,129 | $2,014 | $87,277 | 131 |
| Olympia | 55,583 | $527,202 | $1,921 | $76,930 | 132 |
| Burien | 51,331 | $636,888 | $1,742 | $90,597 | 144 |
| Bothell | 48,610 | $1,053,233 | $2,351 | $132,232 | 199 |
| Bremerton | 44,531 | $477,013 | $1,859 | $74,399 | 126 |
| Edmonds | 42,783 | $922,724 | $1,850 | $116,095 | 178 |
| Puyallup | 42,642 | $507,000 | $2,108 | $95,639 | 133 |
| Lynnwood | 40,953 | $771,755 | $1,675 | $76,439 | 159 |
| Lake Stevens | 39,500 | $700,644 | $2,189 | $118,290 | 157 |
| Issaquah | 39,472 | $1,137,898 | $2,484 | $153,786 | 210 |
| Parkland | 39,174 | $463,459 | $1,593 | $71,829 | 123 |
| Longview | 37,836 | $339,000 | $1,119 | $60,844 | 98 |
| Wenatchee | 35,502 | $391,200 | $1,194 | $70,000 | 109 |
| Mount Vernon | 35,312 | $429,300 | $1,255 | $73,277 | 114 |
| Graham | 35,090 | $591,611 | $2,172 | $115,501 | 144 |
| University Place | 34,850 | $647,666 | $1,664 | $94,952 | 145 |
| Spanaway | 34,322 | $504,514 | $1,782 | $94,028 | 129 |
| Walla Walla | 33,766 | $404,890 | $1,176 | $65,493 | 110 |
| Des Moines | 32,545 | $599,579 | $1,727 | $89,787 | 140 |
| Pullman | 31,939 | $401,700 | $1,010 | $45,097 | 105 |
| SeaTac | 31,143 | $579,024 | $1,637 | $76,517 | 137 |
| Orchards | 29,716 | $437,100 | $1,685 | $96,893 | 117 |
| Maple Valley | 28,121 | $791,182 | $2,189 | $147,546 | 167 |
| Camas | 26,779 | $745,684 | $1,900 | $140,053 | 159 |
| Tumwater | 26,519 | $521,198 | $1,654 | $93,635 | 129 |
| Moses Lake | 25,594 | $278,100 | $1,203 | $71,854 | 93 |
| Mill Creek East | 25,461 | $840,100 | $3,013 | $183,466 | 178 |
| Mercer Island | 25,282 | $2,281,504 | $2,464 | $202,359 | 342 |
| Bainbridge Island | 24,607 | $1,146,582 | $2,081 | $159,882 | 205 |
| Oak Harbor | 24,396 | $421,700 | $1,981 | $72,041 | 118 |
| Frederickson | 24,219 | $534,493 | $2,429 | $107,241 | 140 |
| North Lynnwood | 23,653 | $565,000 | $2,050 | $102,888 | 136 |
| Kenmore | 23,594 | $1,027,777 | $1,944 | $137,926 | 192 |
| Eastmont | 23,486 | $696,800 | $2,128 | $139,346 | 152 |
| Union Hill-Novelty Hill | 23,272 | $1,174,100 | $2,597 | $181,820 | 212 |
| Cottage Lake | 23,170 | $1,164,000 | $2,374 | $197,331 | 208 |
| Hazel Dell | 23,086 | $424,500 | $1,665 | $78,958 | 115 |
| Bonney Lake | 22,776 | $558,900 | $2,212 | $131,524 | 141 |
| Martha Lake | 22,740 | $725,400 | $2,014 | $132,130 | 154 |
| Silver Firs | 21,796 | $791,700 | $2,853 | $153,026 | 171 |
| Tukwila | 21,479 | $562,085 | $1,786 | $80,534 | 136 |
| Five Corners | 21,444 | $432,800 | $1,948 | $102,423 | 119 |
| Mountlake Terrace | 21,419 | $684,182 | $1,966 | $101,404 | 153 |
| Mukilteo | 21,312 | $916,712 | $2,127 | $122,612 | 181 |
| Battle Ground | 21,293 | $602,231 | $1,469 | $100,185 | 137 |
| Silverdale | 21,046 | $597,574 | $2,056 | $101,445 | 142 |
| Bothell West | 21,014 | $757,700 | $2,552 | $144,941 | 163 |
| Covington | 20,957 | $670,976 | $2,220 | $126,730 | 154 |
| Mill Creek | 20,846 | $973,913 | $2,197 | $121,578 | 188 |
| Arlington | 20,599 | $658,913 | $1,764 | $84,919 | 147 |
| Port Angeles | 20,087 | $324,800 | $1,134 | $61,640 | 98 |
| Monroe | 19,696 | $723,475 | $1,902 | $107,556 | 156 |
| Salmon Creek | 19,594 | $497,000 | $1,612 | $100,534 | 123 |
| Ellensburg | 18,913 | $357,800 | $1,258 | $49,888 | 103 |
| Centralia | 18,457 | $388,069 | $1,003 | $52,387 | 103 |
| Fairwood CDP (King County) | 18,437 | $658,000 | $2,152 | $119,013 | 148 |
| Anacortes | 17,837 | $713,800 | $1,609 | $89,788 | 151 |
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | 17,577 | $666,844 | $1,721 | $90,258 | 148 |
| Camano | 17,535 | $600,300 | $1,710 | $100,124 | 136 |
| West Richland | 17,126 | $404,300 | $1,577 | $118,056 | 114 |
| Aberdeen | 17,040 | $225,100 | $1,024 | $52,181 | 85 |
| Washougal | 16,945 | $633,090 | $1,592 | $100,916 | 143 |
| Port Orchard | 16,398 | $550,323 | $1,760 | $81,472 | 133 |
| Sunnyside | 16,329 | $207,200 | $1,065 | $53,350 | 86 |
| Lynden | 16,025 | $546,400 | $1,623 | $94,869 | 132 |
| Lake Stickney | 15,514 | $598,400 | $1,733 | $85,762 | 136 |
| Ferndale | 15,447 | $492,400 | $1,461 | $83,839 | 124 |
| White Center | 15,017 | $591,500 | $1,556 | $82,500 | 133 |
| Lakeland North | 14,664 | $501,600 | $2,227 | $111,681 | 130 |
| Bothell East | 14,487 | $1,047,300 | $2,181 | $189,519 | 193 |
| East Wenatchee | 14,114 | $414,000 | $1,284 | $81,050 | 113 |
| Artondale | 14,051 | $714,000 | $2,121 | $156,908 | 153 |
| Elk Plain | 13,863 | $440,300 | $1,908 | $101,250 | 120 |
| Snoqualmie | 13,750 | $1,110,053 | $3,090 | $197,531 | 214 |
| Woodinville | 13,440 | $1,362,377 | $2,352 | $158,723 | 235 |
| Lake Forest Park | 13,356 | $1,023,147 | $2,205 | $158,868 | 194 |
| Newcastle | 12,945 | $1,397,715 | $2,314 | $162,646 | 239 |
| Lakeland South | 12,869 | $530,900 | $1,558 | $105,273 | 126 |
| Cheney | 12,830 | $415,773 | $1,075 | $47,039 | 110 |
| Kelso | 12,697 | $302,300 | $1,131 | $59,462 | 94 |
| Edgewood | 12,683 | $729,984 | $1,837 | $114,342 | 156 |
| Enumclaw | 12,663 | $670,898 | $1,672 | $116,563 | 147 |
| Sedro-Woolley | 12,633 | $491,503 | $1,460 | $72,140 | 123 |
| Ridgefield | 12,576 | $664,123 | $2,324 | $117,550 | 154 |
| Liberty Lake | 12,435 | $554,867 | $1,782 | $105,599 | 134 |
| Lake Tapps | 12,360 | $693,300 | $2,004 | $145,250 | 150 |
| East Renton Highlands | 12,241 | $709,300 | $2,697 | $140,048 | 160 |
| Gig Harbor | 12,202 | $810,287 | $2,097 | $106,042 | 168 |
| Minnehaha | 12,080 | $421,200 | $1,597 | $108,203 | 114 |
| Prairie Ridge | 12,054 | $436,200 | $1,742 | $110,795 | 117 |
| Poulsbo | 11,962 | $656,741 | $1,767 | $95,774 | 145 |
| Birch Bay | 11,103 | $439,100 | $1,201 | $77,120 | 112 |
| Grandview | 11,042 | $232,500 | $1,058 | $59,875 | 89 |
| Fife | 10,902 | $553,785 | $1,836 | $90,515 | 136 |
| Maltby | 10,859 | $914,800 | $1,928 | $179,276 | 175 |
| Airway Heights | 10,766 | $371,921 | $1,313 | $64,659 | 107 |
| Felida | 10,695 | $643,600 | $2,363 | $150,430 | 148 |
| Sumner | 10,674 | $585,632 | $1,886 | $98,376 | 140 |
| Mount Vista | 10,635 | $526,200 | $1,876 | $101,189 | 129 |
| Shelton | 10,619 | $296,100 | $1,298 | $60,589 | 96 |
| Yelm | 10,618 | $482,985 | $1,363 | $88,279 | 121 |
| Lake Morton-Berrydale | 10,591 | $661,400 | $1,807 | $127,074 | 144 |
| Fairwood CDP (Spokane County) | 10,439 | $435,200 | $1,191 | $84,911 | 111 |
| Vashon | 10,424 | $897,944 | $1,444 | $115,750 | 171 |
| Port Townsend | 10,290 | $502,500 | $1,151 | $60,015 | 118 |
| Snohomish | 10,177 | $926,177 | $1,459 | $84,688 | 174 |
| Alderwood Manor | 10,168 | $651,300 | $1,933 | $118,077 | 144 |
| DuPont | 9,952 | $550,200 | $2,230 | $114,423 | 140 |
| Picnic Point | 9,833 | $747,600 | $2,306 | $128,295 | 159 |
| College Place | 9,828 | $398,551 | $1,118 | $59,768 | 109 |
| Burlington | 9,637 | $533,451 | $1,593 | $74,028 | 130 |
| Terrace Heights | 9,480 | $325,000 | $1,124 | $79,525 | 97 |
| Summit View | 9,014 | $482,100 | $1,813 | $103,910 | 123 |
| Orting | 8,957 | $452,800 | $2,374 | $120,994 | 130 |
| Summit | 8,885 | $578,360 | $1,460 | $107,977 | 135 |
| Hoquiam | 8,792 | $196,400 | $1,011 | $51,754 | 82 |
| Milton | 8,747 | $563,976 | $1,986 | $89,804 | 139 |
| Toppenish | 8,746 | $214,200 | $977 | $67,766 | 86 |
| Othello | 8,699 | $278,600 | $1,041 | $65,757 | 91 |
| Midland | 8,676 | $480,551 | $1,499 | $77,619 | 123 |
| Ephrata | 8,493 | $240,000 | $993 | $70,321 | 86 |
| Stanwood | 8,351 | $706,984 | $1,625 | $87,477 | 151 |
| Selah | 8,301 | $366,100 | $1,465 | $74,757 | 109 |
| Duvall | 8,279 | $968,503 | $2,602 | $178,821 | 192 |
| Barberton | 8,213 | $598,500 | $1,956 | $121,524 | 138 |
| Sequim | 8,130 | $382,400 | $1,094 | $52,977 | 104 |
| Quincy | 7,922 | $283,900 | $1,129 | $79,973 | 93 |
| Waller | 7,857 | $581,341 | $1,785 | $118,077 | 139 |
| North Bend | 7,745 | $992,458 | $1,943 | $180,663 | 188 |
| Chehalis | 7,536 | $330,800 | $1,055 | $68,021 | 97 |
| Clarkston | 7,240 | $216,900 | $877 | $53,092 | 81 |
| Mead | 7,184 | $505,734 | $1,216 | $76,010 | 122 |
| Clarkston Heights-Vineland | 7,144 | $342,700 | $1,056 | $89,628 | 99 |
| Clover Creek | 7,128 | $524,230 | $1,720 | $97,581 | 131 |
| Fircrest | 7,082 | $615,229 | $1,459 | $107,781 | 139 |
| Ocean Shores | 7,076 | $378,000 | $1,177 | $62,750 | 104 |
| Pacific | 7,064 | $553,561 | $1,722 | $102,976 | 134 |
| Woods Creek | 7,027 | $724,400 | $3,000 | $145,773 | 165 |
| Parkwood | 6,976 | $418,100 | $1,746 | $92,188 | 115 |
| Sudden Valley | 6,963 | $450,500 | $1,930 | $98,865 | 121 |
| Wollochet | 6,905 | $819,900 | $2,013 | $148,716 | 164 |
| Hobart | 6,841 | $893,700 | $2,307 | $149,635 | 177 |
| Tanglewilde | 6,822 | $410,300 | $1,779 | $99,766 | 115 |
| Tehaleh | 6,769 | $710,700 | $3,385 | $136,454 | 167 |
| Steilacoom | 6,683 | $625,072 | $1,721 | $97,634 | 143 |
| Normandy Park | 6,659 | $1,021,124 | $1,781 | $144,821 | 189 |
| Lake Shore | 6,601 | $557,200 | $2,141 | $132,102 | 136 |
| Woodland | 6,513 | $581,280 | $1,369 | $83,193 | 129 |
| Union Gap | 6,511 | $186,200 | $1,111 | $58,958 | 84 |
| Brier | 6,507 | $985,531 | $2,727 | $138,256 | 196 |
| Prosser | 6,213 | $269,300 | $894 | $66,406 | 91 |
| Rochester | 6,025 | $508,250 | $1,182 | $94,754 | 122 |
| Manchester | 6,018 | $464,500 | $1,643 | $108,242 | 119 |
| Hockinson | 5,993 | $661,900 | $1,697 | $132,083 | 143 |
| Blaine | 5,982 | $500,600 | $1,323 | $81,559 | 123 |
| Country Homes | 5,979 | $386,500 | $1,193 | $78,841 | 105 |
| Sultan | 5,770 | $559,588 | $1,607 | $85,278 | 134 |
| Maplewood | 5,766 | $657,400 | $1,970 | $129,659 | 145 |
| Finley | 5,734 | $296,900 | $1,129 | $87,824 | 94 |
| Lake Goodwin | 5,682 | $670,200 | $1,439 | $104,028 | 141 |
| Black Diamond | 5,678 | $775,342 | $2,340 | $144,728 | 167 |
| West Clarkston-Highland | 5,678 | $253,200 | $1,123 | $52,406 | 89 |
| Tracyton | 5,658 | $435,400 | $1,718 | $87,064 | 117 |
| Suncrest | 5,590 | $469,600 | $0 | $101,964 | 117 |
| East Port Orchard | 5,581 | $394,100 | $1,632 | $72,639 | 111 |
| Otis Orchards-East Farms | 5,486 | $454,789 | $1,322 | $90,750 | 117 |
| Town and Country | 5,398 | $310,000 | $1,377 | $87,561 | 99 |
| Buckley | 5,306 | $651,743 | $1,824 | $121,719 | 147 |
| Connell | 5,080 | $247,300 | $1,138 | $63,810 | 92 |
FAQ: Living in Washington
What is the most affordable city to live in Washington?+
Among the cities we track, Clarkston stands out as the most affordable option in Washington. The median home value there is $216,900, and monthly rent typically runs around $877. The local median household income is $53,092, which tends to go further here than in much of the state.
What is the most expensive city in Washington?+
Mercer Island is currently the priciest market in WA. Homes there are valued at a median of $2,281,504, and renters can expect to pay around $2,464/month. Incomes are higher too — the median household earns $202,359 — but whether that fully offsets the cost premium depends on your lifestyle.
How are taxes in Washington?+
Washington is one of the few US states with no state income tax, which is a significant perk for high earners. However, the state makes up revenue in other ways. Property taxes average 0.98% statewide. Combined state and local sales tax can reach 9.23%.
How much does housing vary across Washington?+
There's a huge range. In Clarkston, the median home costs around $216,900. In Mercer Island, that number jumps to $2,281,504 — roughly 10x more. Rents follow a similar pattern: approximately $877/month vs. $2,464/month. Where you choose to settle within WA can make a dramatic difference in your monthly budget.
Is Washington a good state to move to?+
It depends on your priorities and budget. Washington offers a tax-friendly environment with no state income tax, a wide range of living costs depending on the city. You can find very affordable communities alongside expensive metro areas. Home prices range from around $216,900 in budget-friendly areas to $2,281,504 in premium markets. Use the city comparison tool to compare housing, rent, property tax, and everyday cost pressure across locations in WA.
Explore Other States
- Real Estate & Housing: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI, Smoothed & Seasonally Adjusted) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). Structural fallback utilizes U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates.
- Goods, Utilities & Services: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Metropolitan Area Regional Price Parities (MARPP), incorporating verified State Nonmetropolitan averages.
- Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (PMMS) via Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).
- Tax Context: State-level property, sales, and income-tax context used for place-side relocation planning. Personal take-home pay and offer analysis are handled by salary.city.
- Index Methodology: Weighting matrix derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CEX) distributional models. Baseline standardized at 100. (Read methodology details)