Best Affordable Places to Live in Washington in 2024

Best Places to Live in Washington State

Washington is a vast state of thriving cities and stunning natural beauty. Fortunately, some areas are relatively affordable and even have a lower cost of living than the American average.

Whether you’re looking to start a career, find a place to retire, or experience a new way of living, here are the best places to live in Washington.

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Best Affordable Places to Live in Washington State

Amazon and Microsoft are both headquartered in the Seattle area, and are the main drivers of high real estate values. But head south or east, and properties become much more affordable.

Wherever you’re hoping to put down roots, make sure you check out first-time homebuyer programs in Washington to see how you can save money. And if you’re a newbie homebuyer, use a first-time homebuyer guide to learn more about the process before you start shopping.

1. Yakima

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Coastal towns get all the press, but eastern Washington has its own natural beauty and vibrant communities — at a fraction of the price you’d pay by the sea. Washington is the county’s #1 producer of apples, blueberries, and hops, among other crops, and its second largest wine producer. (You know what that means — apple picking and wine tasting!) And Yakima Valley is the state’s agricultural heart. With a thriving population of almost 100,000, Yakima is an oasis in the central semi-arid desert, offering a great combination of city resources and outdoor activities.

Population: 97,012

Median Household Income: $50,673

Cost of Living: 97.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,400

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.74

Average Property Tax: 1.06%

Housing Affordability: With one of the lowest median rents in the state, Yakima offers the opportunity to live in the city while still enjoying affordable housing. Those looking to purchase a home will find prices hovering in the mid-$300,000 range, and a market that has dropped substantially less over the last year than other major Washington cities.

2. Kennewick

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A little further east, the Tri-Cities area — which includes Kennewick as well as Pasco and Richland — has relatively low housing costs — half of what you’d pay in Seattle. Residents enjoy a beautiful river waterfront and access to cultural attractions like the Gorge Amphitheatre.

Population: 84,750

Median Household Income: $64,053

Cost of Living: 99.1% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,577

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.48

Average Property Tax: 1.11%

Housing Affordability: The lowest home price-to-income ratio on the list puts Kennewick in the lead for housing affordability. Residents can expect to pay less of their overall income toward keeping a roof over their heads.

3. Spokane

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Lovingly called the Lilac City by its residents, Spokane is just a few miles west of the Idaho border, making it the easternmost city on this list. With a large population and plenty of attractions — including the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and the historical Campbell House — Spokane is another excellent option if you’re looking for affordable big-city living in the Evergreen State.

Population: 230,160

Median Household Income: $56,977

Cost of Living: 103.1% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,539

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.7

Average Property Tax: 1.20%

Housing Affordability: Boasting the second lowest home price-to-income ratio on the list, Spokane residents can enjoy the metropolitan lifestyle of a city with more than 200,000 people at an affordable price. Home values linger just below $400,000, and the median rent is a reasonable $1,539.

4. Olympia

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Situated about halfway between Portland to the south and Seattle to the north, Washington’s state capital has a storied history. For example, it’s the origin place of the Riot Grrl movement. Even today it maintains a vibrant cultural scene, thanks in part to its status as home to Evergreen State College, while also offering a more affordable lifestyle than either of the major coastal metros that bookend it.

Population: 55,669

Median Household Income: $67,975

Cost of Living: 113.8% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,850

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.56

Average Property Tax: 1.14%

Housing Affordability: Although the home price-to-income ratio creeps up above 7 in Olympia, rent is substantially lower than Seattle’s $2,275. Rental prices have dropped $445 over the last year. A cooling market means renters may have more options to choose from as they search for housing.

5. Auburn

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This lesser-known Seattle suburb’s main attractions are parks and coffee shops, but big city events and activities are just a short drive away. The cost of living is slightly more affordable than Seattle or Tacoma.

Population: 84,858

Median Household Income: $79,415

Cost of Living: 122.6% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,050

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.27

Average Property Tax: 1.05%

Housing Affordability: While rent prices are higher in Auburn than anywhere else on this list, they’re far more affordable than Seattle proper, where the median price is $2,275. With an average home value of $577,641 compared to Seattle’s $834,501, the average income of almost $80,000 — about $10,000 higher than the U.S. average of $69,021 — goes further toward meeting this need.

Best Places to Live in Washington State for Families

Washington is widely recognized as one of the best states to raise a family. It earns high scores for quality schools, health and safety, socioeconomics, and family fun. (Also, UFO sightings!) But be prepared for relatively pricey childcare costs.

1. Kennewick

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Along with being one of the most affordable cities in Washington, Kennewick — and the Tri-Cities in general — tops the list when it comes to great resources for families. Winters are mild, and summer events include Live at 5 (featuring live music and food trucks) and Art in the Park (with performers and other local artists). Parents may appreciate that it has one of the most diverse school districts in the state of Washington.

Population: 84,750

Median Household Income: $64,053

Cost of Living: 99.1% of U.S. Average

Median Rent Price: $1,577

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.48

Average Property Tax: 1.11%

Housing Affordability: Although rent is on the rise in Kennewick, and the market is heating up, it’s still so far below the cost of other Washington metros like Seattle that it’s a great option for parents paying for childcare. To compete more effectively in the market when home-shopping, think about going through the mortgage preapproval process before your search heats up.

2. Bellevue

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Families may be drawn here in part because Bellevue’s school district has been voted the second best in the entire state. And Bellevue is an excellent alternative for parents hoping to raise their kids as close to Seattle as possible — with a slight price break. Separated from the city by beautiful Lake Washington, Bellevue offers fun family to-dos of both the outdoorsy and indoorsy varieties.

Population: 152,767

Median Household Income: $140,252

Cost of Living: 149.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $3,150

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 9.13

Average Property Tax: 1.05%

Housing Affordability: Make no mistake: Bellevue is expensive, and even its much-higher-than-average median household income can’t keep up with an average housing cost of more than $1 million. (This is jumbo mortgage loan territory, for sure.) But there’s good news for renters: A cooling market means that more housing is available and rents are about $250 lower, on average, than they were last year.

3. Wenatchee

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Affordable mid-size-town living and a solid school district might be attractive to parents, and kids will enjoy plenty of wide-open spaces. The sweeping mountain views certainly don’t hurt.

Population: 35,433

Median Household Income: $60,285

Cost of Living: 102.3% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,907

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.78

Average Property Tax: 1.00%

Housing Affordability: Although Wenatchee rents have been on the rise over the last year, the market remains cool overall — and affordable in comparison to other major Washington state metropolises. Plus, the average property tax rate is one of the lowest in the state.

4. Camas

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Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River just a short drive from Portland, OR, Camas is a great place to raise a family if you’re looking for a combination of city attractions and outdoor learning opportunities — all without paying Oregon’s high state income tax rate.

Population: 27,371

Median Household Income: $121,094

Cost of Living: 124.3% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,609

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.93

Average Property Tax: 1.09%

Housing Affordability: Although housing in Camas remains expensive, with a median rent of $2,609 and average home value of more than $700,000, its home price-to-income ratio remains one of the lowest we’ve seen so far, given the high median earnings of its residents.

5. Walla Walla

Photo credit: iStock/JohnnyH5

There’s more to Walla Walla than wineries and sweet onions — though parents will agree, those help! In a town where almost a third of households — some 28.25% — have children, kiddos will be sure to make lots of friends. And as a city with an affordable cost of living, mom and dad will be comfortable, too.

Population: 33,492

Median Household Income: $55,648

Cost of Living: 99.1% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,485

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.3

Average Property Tax: 1.07%

Housing Affordability: With a cool rental market — and prices having dropped $110 month-over-month this year — there should be plenty of availability for those hoping to find a place. While the home price-to-income ratio is on the higher side, this is driven in part by a relatively low median household income; home values in Walla Walla are hovering around $400,000, which is relatively low for the state.

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Best Places to Live in Washington State for Young Adults

If you’re into college basketball, live music, or craft beer, grab your umbrella and your rescue dog and head for Washington state. For young adults looking to get established, find a partner, or start a career, big cities tend to be the best places to mix and mingle — both personally and professionally. Of course, big cities tend to come with big prices, and that’s definitely true here. Still, some cities are more affordable than others.

1. Renton

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The median age in this suburb of Seattle is 36.2. Translation? A lot of folks here are just getting established. The quiet city of Renton has much to offer young adults, from good public transit and a diverse restaurant scene to gorgeous beaches. Plus you’re only a half hour from downtown Seattle, even with traffic — which is hard to beat.

Population: 104,047

Median Household Income: $84,374

Cost of Living: 149.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,418

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.5

Average Property Tax: 1.05%

Housing Affordability: While the median monthly rent sure isn’t low in Renton, the median household income is relatively high compared to the national average of about $69,000 — and in a place so close to one of the major U.S. tech centers, opportunities abound.

2. Tacoma

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The city that puts the Tac in Sea-Tac, Tacoma is one of the best-known suburbs of Seattle. And with a population of over 200,000, it’s less a suburb than a city in its own right. Given its median age of 36.7 and its proximity to one of the biggest population centers on the coast, Tacoma holds a wealth of opportunities for young adults.

Population: 221,776

Median Household Income: $69,956

Cost of Living: 149.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,675

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.7

Average Property Tax: 1.28%

Housing Affordability: Of the various near-to-Seattle options available to young adults, Tacoma offers some of the most affordable rentals. Median rent is $1,675, a drop of more than $120 year over year. It is, however, a warm market with increasing demand, so be prepared for some competition.

3. Seattle

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Let’s be real: It’s one of the least affordable cities not just in America, but in the world. Still, we had to include Seattle on this list, particularly for young people looking to enjoy the high life at the height of their lives. With famous landmarks like Pike Place Market and proximity to a wide array of wild adventures, Seattle is worth the money for some.

Population: 749,256

Median Household Income: $105,391

Cost of Living: 149.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,275

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.9

Average Property Tax: 1.05%

Housing Affordability: There’s no world in which we could call Seattle’s housing market affordable — but it’s definitely more affordable than other major cities. Where the Emerald City’s median rent is $2,275, San Francisco’s is $3,600. So as far as west-coast metropolises go, it could be worse. (To see what type of home mortgage loan you might qualify for, consider getting prequalified for a home loan before you embark in earnest on your home search.)

4. Spokane

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Some 32% of Spokane’s population of 200,000-plus people fall between the ages of 20 and 40 — so for young adults who are serious about saving some money and willing to leave the big cities on the coast, Spokane makes a strong argument.

Population: 230,160

Median Household Income: $56,977

Cost of Living: 103.1% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,539

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.7

Average Property Tax: 1.20%

Housing Affordability: Spokane’s cost of living index is significantly lower than that of many other Washington state metros — and its cool rental market has actually experienced price drops over the last two years.

5. Bellingham

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Home to a variety of colleges including Western Washington University, Bellingham has a youthful vibe — a whopping 40% of its population is between the ages of 20 and 40. (Fully 24% of them are in their 20s.) Combining a thriving music and cultural scene with unparalleled outdoor access, Bellingham is a beautiful place to start adulthood, although housing can be expensive.

Population: 93,896

Median Household Income: $59,163

Cost of Living: 119.6% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,175

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 10.7

Average Property Tax: 1.01%

Housing Affordability: With a home price-to-income ratio in the double digits, it’s true that the average home value vastly outpaces the median household income in Bellingham — and rents are on the rise. That said, the overall cost of living is lower here than in other major Washington metropoles, which might leave a little more cash free to pay for a roof over your head.

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Best Places to Live in Washington State for Retirees

With temperate winters, ample waterfronts, and no state income tax — which means no taxes on Social Security payments — Washington state can be an ideal place to retire. Here are the best options.

1. Hoquiam

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Where the Chehalis River empties into the North Bay and eventually the Pacific Ocean, Hoquiam offers a beautiful respite for retirees ready for small-town living. With a population that’s 23.2% 65 and over and one of the lowest home price-to-income ratios on our list so far, this city offers a lot to those on a fixed income.

Population: 8,798

Median Household Income: $44,480

Cost of Living: 113.8% of U.S. Average

Median Rent Price: $1,200

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.5

Average Property Tax: 1.05%

Housing Affordability: With the average home price at a very reasonable $244,281, Hoquiam offers a great opportunity for those looking to downsize and live off the profits of their home.

2. Union Gap

Housing Affordability: With a cost-of-living index under the national average and a home price-to-income ratio of just 4.5, Union Gap is eminently affordable, especially for those living on retirement income — which, again, in Washington is untaxed.

3. Gig Harbor

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Given how picturesque and quiet this waterfront oasis is, you’d never guess it’s just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Seattle and Tacoma. Although on the expensive side, Gig Harbor has landed on multiple Best Places in Washington to Retire lists in recent years for its city accessibility, cultural offerings, and medical care.

Population: 12,484

Median Household Income: $96,192

Cost of Living: 122.6 % of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,800

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.9

Average Property Tax: 1.28%

Housing Affordability: Although it’s higher on the cost-of-living index than many other cities on the list, Gig Harbor has the benefit of a higher-than-average income to lower its home price-to-income ratio. That said, it may be more difficult for seniors looking to downsize or purchase a new home in their retirement years.

4. Kennewick

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Once again, the Tri-Cities land on the list. Affordable, scenic, and home to five golf courses within a 20-mile radius of the city center, Kennewick is the perfect pick for retirees looking to get some serious space in their golden years.

Population: 84,750

Median Household Income: $64,053

Cost of Living: 99.1% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,577

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.48

Average Property Tax: 1.11%

Housing Affordability: While both rent and homeownership remain reasonably affordable now, the market is warm and rental prices are going up. Kennewick could be an up-and-coming housing market.

5. Sequim, WA

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Pronounced “Squim,” this city is known for its location in the Olympic Peninsula rain shadow, which means it receives much less drizzle than its nearby neighbors. Better yet, more than 35% of the population is 65 or older, so retirees can enjoy their sunny days with plenty of peers.

Population: 8,319

Median Household Income: $41,571

Cost of Living: 122.6% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,400

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 13.5

Average Property Tax: 1.00%

Housing Affordability: Sequim’s home price-to-income ratio is the highest on the list at a whopping 13.5 — but that figure is skewed by a relatively low median household income. The average home value floats slightly over $500,000, which is by no means cheap, but is much more affordable than other Washington cities.

Best Places to Live in Washington State Near Nature

In Washington State, you don’t have to choose between beaches, mountains, and forests: You can have it all. Here are some cities that are best situated for getting out in nature, no matter what kind of nature it is you desire.

1. Port Townsend

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A funky little town surrounded on three sides by water — and famous for its Halloween block party — Port Townsend makes it as easy to get to Olympic National Park as it is to get to Seattle. Plus, there are enough state parks in town that you don’t have to go that far for a great hike.

Population: 10,388

Median Household Income: $54,907

Cost of Living: 122.6% of US. average

Median Rent Price: $1,800

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 11.1

Average Property Tax: 0.79%

Housing Affordability: To be sure, a home price-to-income ratio of 11.1 is steep; the median household income in town doesn’t match up with its over-half-a-million-dollar average home price. But rent is relatively cheap compared to Seattle, and the price has been dropping steeply year over year.

2. Port Angeles

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The gateway to Olympic National Park, and just a ferry ride across the water from Canada, Port Angeles is truly one of the best situated cities for those hoping to enjoy outdoor adventures. And with one of the lowest property taxes in the state of Washington, it’s a good bet for would-be homeowners, too.

Population: 20,060

Median Household Income: $53,690

Cost of Living: 122.6% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,100

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.1

Average Property Tax: 1.00%

Housing Affordability: The median price of a house still lingers under half a million dollars in Port Angeles, which is hard to find in western Washington. Rent, however, is expensive, and on an upward climb.

3. Bainbridge Island

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We’ll be frank: This one’s pricey, for sure. But for those who know they need a combination of city living and outdoor adventure, you can’t beat Bainbridge. Situated on the Puget Sound with the entirety of the Olympic Peninsula behind it, this unique city truly offers the best of both worlds. And while it’s expensive, the people who live here generally have a high enough income to foot the bill.

Population: 24,494

Median Household Income: $145,475

Cost of Living: 149.9% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $3,300

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.8

Average Property Tax: 1.03%

Housing Affordability: Although the cost of living is a staggering 149.9% of the U.S. average, and the average cost of a home is well over a million dollars, the home price-to-income ratio in Bainbridge remains relatively low thanks to the high income of its residents. While the rental market is cool, it’s also the most expensive on our list by far.

4. Bellingham

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Travel as far north as you can without reaching Canada, and you’ll find yourself in Bellingham. The beautiful, funky college town is situated on a mind-blowingly beautiful shoreline. Even though it’s far north, the winters remain temperate, and mountain adventures aren’t far, either.

Population: 93,896

Median Household Income: $59,163

Cost of Living: 119.6% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $2,175

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 10.7

Average Property Tax: 1.01%

Housing Affordability: Again, the housing in Bellingham is pretty pricey with a median rent of $2,175 and an average home value of over $600,000. Those rental prices are on the rise, too — good thing the average property tax is relatively low compared to other counties.

5. Olympia

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Situated in lush forests amidst multiple waterfronts, Olympia offers a wide range of outdoorsy activities for any nature buff. It’s also just an hour or so from the coast, if you’re in the mood for a (chilly) beach day.

Population: 55,669

Median Household Income: $67,975

Cost of Living: 113.8% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,850

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.56

Average Property Tax: 1.14%

Housing Affordability: With both rent and home purchase prices much lower than those in nearby Tacoma or Seattle, Olympia could be the perfect match for folks looking to balance natural and city pursuits while saving some money.

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The Takeaway

While Washington state does have a higher cost of living than many other states in the U.S., it’s still home to many affordable cities — and even its most expensive cities are less costly than some other major west coast burghs. Yakima is our top affordable city overall, with Kennewick, Renton, Hoquiam, and Port Townsend winning in other categories.

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FAQ

Where is the most affordable place to live in Washington?

Per data gathered by SoFi, Wenatchee and Yakima are just about tied for the most affordable places to live in Washington state, with cost-of-living indexes of 97.2 and 97.3% of the national average, respectively. (This is compared to Seattle’s cost-of-living index of 125.1%.)

What is the cost of living in Washington State 2023?

Washington is the state with the 7th highest cost of living per MERIC data from the first quarter of 2023. Housing costs are particularly high in the Evergreen State.

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