Best Affordable Places to Live in Washington in 2025

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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 country’s #1 producer of apples 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.

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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.

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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.

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There’s more to Walla Walla than wineries and sweet onions — though parents will agree, those help! In a town where more than half of households — some 55.6% — 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. 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 — far from jumbo mortgage loan territory, for sure.

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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. To compete more effectively in the market when home-shopping, think about going through the mortgage preapproval process before your search heats up.

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The “Apple Capital of the World” hosts an annual Apple Blossom Festival in the spring, while the Mission Ridge Ski Resort attracts visitors through the winter months. 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. The average property tax rate is one of the lowest in the state, and the average home value is around $470,000.

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Some 31% 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. Spokane’s cost of living index is significantly lower than that of many other Washington state metros — and its rental market has been flat for several years.

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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 that one in three people is between the ages of 20 and 40 and its proximity to one of the biggest population centers on the coast, Tacoma holds a wealth of opportunities for young adults. 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.

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Similar to Spokane and Tacoma, about one-third of Renton’s population is between the ages of 20 and 40. That means 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. While the median monthly rent sure isn’t low in Renton, the median household income is relatively high compared to the national average — and in a place so close to one of the major U.S. tech centers, opportunities abound.

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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% 65 and over, seniors are sure to find a new community that really feels like home. The average home price is a very reasonable $237,488 (the lowest on our overall list), offering a great opportunity for those looking to downsize and live off the profits of their home.

Another excellent small-town opportunity for seniors, this time situated in the central Washington desert, Union Gap is a quaint community outside of Yakima. The area is a prime spot for culture and medical care. With a cost of living below the national average and a home price-to-income ratio of just 4.11, Union Gap is eminently affordable, especially for those living on retirement income (which, again, in Washington is untaxed).

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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. 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.

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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. With both rent and home values much lower than those in nearby 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 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. 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 has also come down to well below the state average.

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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. To be sure, a home price-to-income ratio in the double digits is pricey; the median household income in town doesn’t match up with its $600K+ average home price. But rent is relatively cheap compared to Seattle.