Cost of Living in Benton County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benton County ranks #2,776 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benton County, Washington
Benton County rents remain affordable statewide
Benton County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio matches the best performers in Washington and beats the national trend. At $1,256 monthly rent against a median household income of $87,316, Benton residents enjoy above-average earnings paired with reasonable housing costs.
Above-average incomes fuel affordability
Benton County ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Washington counties for affordability, with the highest median household income ($87,316) in this sample. Its 17.3% rent-to-income ratio reflects strong earning power that absorbs higher-than-average rents.
More expensive than Adams, competitive with Chelan
Benton County's $1,256 rent significantly exceeds Adams County's $901 but runs $74 less than Chelan County's $1,182. However, Benton's median household income of $87,316 far outpaces both neighbors, cushioning the higher housing costs.
Homeownership carries a premium here
Renters spend 17.3% of income on housing while homeowners dedicate 18.5% to monthly ownership costs, the highest among comparable counties. At $369,400 median home value, Benton County attracts buyers with strong incomes and growing job markets.
Benton rewards high earners and job seekers
If you're relocating for a higher-paying position, Benton County's strong median income and balanced rent-to-income ratio signal economic momentum. Compare your prospective salary against these regional benchmarks to see if Benton's housing market aligns with your move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benton County
Affordability Verdict
Benton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,256/month — about 17.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Benton County is $1,256/month, while owner costs run $1,348/month. Renting saves approximately $92/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,771/year. With a median household income of $87,316, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Benton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Benton County sits 4% more expensive than Mason County ($1,205/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benton County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,037
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in Benton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $369,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,949 vs. your max of $2,037.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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