Cost of Living in Washington
Overall index: 112.9 — ranked #12 of 51 (above average cost).
Where your money goes in Washington
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Washington
Estimated annual spending: $74,828($172 remaining)
Metro areas in Washington
What things cost in Washington
| Item | Washington | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $580,000 | $360,000 | +$220,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,656/mo | $1,400/mo | +$256 |
| Gas (regular) | $4.69/gal | $3.50/gal | +$1.19 |
| Electric bill | $90/mo | $137/mo | $47 |
| Infant childcare | $20,677/yr | $13,500/yr | +$7,177 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.35 | $4.95 | +$0.40 |
| Monthly groceries | $443/mo | $410/mo | +$33 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Washington vs national average
What a salary in Washington is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,450 | +$6,450 |
| $75,000 | $84,675 | +$9,675 |
| $100,000 | $112,900 | +$12,900 |
| $125,000 | $141,125 | +$16,125 |
| $150,000 | $169,350 | +$19,350 |
| $200,000 | $225,800 | +$25,800 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Washington to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Washington with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Washington?
Washington has an overall cost-of-living index of 112.9, making it above average cost (ranked #12 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $580,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,656/month.
Is Washington expensive to live in?
Yes, Washington is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 112.9 (average = 100). Costs are elevated across most categories.
How much does housing cost in Washington?
The median home price in Washington is $580,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,656/month. Washington's housing index is 118.3 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 18.299999999999997% above the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Seattle has a housing index of 210.
How much are groceries in Washington?
Washington's grocery index is 108 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.35 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $443, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Washington?
The average monthly electric bill in Washington is $90 based on the state's residential rate of 10.13¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Washington?
Center-based infant childcare in Washington averages $20,677/year ($1,723/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Washington?
A $75,000 salary in Washington has the same purchasing power as $66,430 at the national average cost of living. Because Washington is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Washington?
Major metro areas in Washington include: Seattle (149.2). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 112.9. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Washington Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Washington taxes
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Washington take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.