Cost of Living in Snohomish County, Washington
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Snohomish County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Snohomish County ranks #2,420 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Snohomish County
Affordability Verdict
Snohomish County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,866/month representing approximately 20.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Snohomish County is $1,866/month, while owner costs run $2,194/month. Renting saves approximately $328/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $74,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $94,029/year. With a median household income of $107,982, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Snohomish County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Snohomish County sits 7% more expensive than Kitsap County ($1,741/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Snohomish County
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
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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