Cost of Living in Pierce County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pierce County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pierce County ranks #2,938 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pierce County, Washington
Pierce County's Premium Affordability Test
Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% exceeds the national average by 5 percentage points, signaling a tighter housing squeeze for renters. Though median household income of $96,632 ranks 29% above the national average, rent of $1,722/month still consumes a larger share of earnings than most American counties.
Above State Average Affordability Strain
Pierce County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties despite strong incomes. Median rent of $1,722/month exceeds the state median by $520, reflecting the Puget Sound region's competitive housing market.
Pierce's High-Income, High-Cost Reality
Pierce County residents earn substantially more than Pacific County ($96,632 vs. $62,350), yet pay 79% more in rent ($1,722 vs. $962). Only Snohomish County exceeds Pierce's rent costs and affordability strain, making both Puget Sound counties the state's priciest rental markets.
Income Meets Housing Reality
Pierce County renters dedicate 21.4% of income to rent, while homeowners spend 24.3% on mortgage and owner costs—both elevated for the state. The median home value of $484,400 demands strong incomes to purchase, though the county's $96,632 median household income provides more capacity than most.
Pierce: Premium Location, Premium Cost
Pierce County offers urban and suburban amenities with strong job markets, but anticipate higher housing costs than most Washington counties. If you're relocating, compare Pierce's rent and affordability strain against more rural or eastern Washington options like Pend Oreille or Skamania to assess your budget priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pierce County
Affordability Verdict
Pierce County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,722/month representing approximately 21.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,722/month rent versus $1,957/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $235/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $68,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $83,871/year. With a median household income of $96,632, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Pierce County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Washington, Pierce County is more affordable than Clark County by roughly 3% ($1,722/mo vs $1,668/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pierce County
Rent Burden
21.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,255
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.3%
of gross income
The median home in Pierce County may be a stretch
Median home value is $484,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,867 vs. your max of $2,255.
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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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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