Cost of Living in Snohomish County, Washington

$1,866/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$644,600

Median Home Value

55% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,866/mo

55% above state average

Median Home Value

$644,600

129% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Snohomish County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Snohomish County$1,866/mo

Washington Average$1,202/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,866/mo

Median Gross Rent

$644,600

Median Home Value

$2,194/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Snohomish County, Washington

Snohomish County's Premium Housing Market

Snohomish County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% exceeds the national average by nearly 5 percentage points, reflecting one of the nation's tightest rental markets. Despite strong median household income of $107,982—the state's highest—renters still spend a larger share of earnings on housing than typical American households.

Washington's Highest-Income, Highest-Cost County

Snohomish County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Washington's 18.8% average, making it one of the state's least affordable despite the highest median income at $107,982. Median rent of $1,866/month towers $664 above the state median, the highest rental cost in Washington.

Snohomish's Puget Sound Premium

Snohomish County's $1,866 median rent exceeds even Pierce County ($1,722) by $144, while median home values of $644,600 reflect the strongest regional demand. Only San Juan County ($726,500) exceeds Snohomish's home prices, making both the state's priciest markets.

High Income, Higher Housing Costs

Snohomish County renters dedicate 20.7% of income to rent ($1,866/month), while owners spend 24.4% on mortgage and owner costs—the highest affordability strain in the state. The median home value of $644,600 demands substantial income, though the county's $107,982 median provides the capacity to bear it.

Snohomish: Premium Location, Premium Prices

Snohomish County offers strong job markets and urban amenities, but come prepared for the state's highest housing costs and affordability strain. Relocators prioritizing value should compare Snohomish against Skamania, Pend Oreille, or Spokane to see how far your income can stretch.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Snohomish County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

20.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,520

per month

Owner Cost Burden

24.4%

of gross income

The median home in Snohomish County may be a stretch

Median home value is $644,600. Estimated monthly cost: $5,146 vs. your max of $2,520.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio20.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Snohomish County, Washington?

Snohomish County, Washington has a median monthly rent of $1,866/mo and a median home value of $644,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Snohomish County?

The median gross rent in Snohomish County is $1,866/mo. This is 55% above state average for Washington.

Is Snohomish County affordable?

Snohomish County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Snohomish County's rent compare to the state average?

Snohomish County's median rent of $1,866/mo is 55% above state average of $1,202/mo for Washington.

What is the median home value in Snohomish County?

The median home value in Snohomish County, Washington is $644,600. This is 129% above the national median home value of $281,900.