Washington Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 39 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$1,202/mo
Average Home Value
$397,674
Average Owner Cost
$1,269/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in Washington: An Overview
The median rent in Washington is $1,202 per month, which is 3% above the national median of $1,163. This places the state among the more expensive places to lease a home in the country.
Within Washington, housing costs vary significantly by county. King County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $2,035 per month and a median home value of $811,200. At the other end of the spectrum, Ferry County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $703 per month and homes valued at a median of $274,500.
The average home value across Washington counties is $397,674, 41% higher than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $76,363, many residents find homeownership a stretch.
Before moving to Washington, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in Washington
How median rents are spread across 39 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All Washington Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King County | Expensive$2,035/mo | $811,200 | $2,514/mo | 28.0% |
| Snohomish County | Expensive$1,866/mo | $644,600 | $2,194/mo | 31.0% |
| Kitsap County | Expensive$1,741/mo | $505,700 | $1,802/mo | 31.0% |
| Pierce County | Expensive$1,722/mo | $484,400 | $1,957/mo | 31.0% |
| Clark County | Expensive$1,668/mo | $487,900 | $1,790/mo | 30.0% |
| Thurston County | Expensive$1,634/mo | $451,500 | $1,781/mo | 31.0% |
| Island County | Expensive$1,631/mo | $535,300 | $1,685/mo | 31.0% |
| Whatcom County | Moderate$1,465/mo | $536,100 | $1,669/mo | 34.0% |
| Skagit County | Moderate$1,439/mo | $486,200 | $1,630/mo | 31.0% |
| San Juan County | Moderate$1,413/mo | $726,500 | $1,499/mo | 27.0% |
| Jefferson County | Moderate$1,291/mo | $495,100 | $1,087/mo | 28.0% |
| Benton County | Moderate$1,256/mo | $369,400 | $1,348/mo | 29.0% |
| Kittitas County | Moderate$1,253/mo | $459,900 | $1,483/mo | 32.0% |
| Douglas County | Moderate$1,234/mo | $402,900 | $1,208/mo | 26.0% |
| Mason County | Moderate$1,205/mo | $377,400 | $1,330/mo | 27.0% |
| Spokane County | Moderate$1,200/mo | $370,500 | $1,363/mo | 30.0% |
| Chelan County | Moderate$1,182/mo | $454,900 | $1,224/mo | 26.0% |
| Franklin County | Moderate$1,171/mo | $345,700 | $1,417/mo | 28.0% |
| Cowlitz County | Moderate$1,169/mo | $367,400 | $1,396/mo | 29.0% |
| Klickitat County | Moderate$1,119/mo | $388,700 | $1,008/mo | 31.0% |
| Walla Walla County | Moderate$1,113/mo | $375,600 | $1,263/mo | 31.0% |
| Clallam County | Moderate$1,110/mo | $385,600 | $1,011/mo | 30.0% |
| Wahkiakum County | Moderate$1,086/mo | $344,500 | $682/mo | 40.0% |
| Yakima County | Moderate$1,068/mo | $281,100 | $1,101/mo | 27.0% |
| Grant County | Moderate$1,059/mo | $275,700 | $1,105/mo | 25.0% |
| Lewis County | Moderate$1,044/mo | $341,500 | $1,221/mo | 29.0% |
| Skamania County | Moderate$1,024/mo | $472,600 | $1,341/mo | 28.0% |
| Grays Harbor County | Moderate$1,018/mo | $279,500 | $1,061/mo | 28.0% |
| Whitman County | Moderate$1,002/mo | $323,300 | $1,114/mo | 39.0% |
| Asotin County | Affordable$994/mo | $286,200 | $841/mo | 28.0% |
| Pacific County | Affordable$962/mo | $274,000 | $843/mo | 29.0% |
| Columbia County | Affordable$944/mo | $256,100 | $928/mo | 25.0% |
| Adams County | Affordable$901/mo | $251,300 | $841/mo | 29.0% |
| Lincoln County | Affordable$872/mo | $272,300 | $773/mo | 21.0% |
| Okanogan County | Affordable$868/mo | $284,200 | $838/mo | 22.0% |
| Stevens County | Affordable$864/mo | $308,000 | $904/mo | 27.0% |
| Pend Oreille County | Affordable$786/mo | $307,800 | $833/mo | 24.0% |
| Garfield County | Affordable$768/mo | $214,200 | $698/mo | 30.0% |
| Ferry County | Affordable$703/mo | $274,500 | $695/mo | 23.0% |
Compare Washington to Other States
See how Washington counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About Washington Housing Costs
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What is the most expensive county to live in Washington?
How does Washington's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in Washington?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Washington, Washington? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.