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Washington

Cost of living in Columbia County, WA

Estimated monthly cost
$2,867/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 3,996 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $806 28%
Federal tax $675 24%
Healthcare $480 17%
Groceries $369 13%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $157 5%
Water $60 2%
State tax $0 0%

Rent in Columbia County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$724
per month
1 bedroom
$806
per month
2 bedroom
$1,035
per month
3 bedroom
$1,450
per month
4 bedroom
$1,722
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Columbia County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$71,528
per year
Individual earnings
$51,297
per year
Per capita
$42,143
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Columbia County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$256,100
Annual property tax
$2,215

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Columbia County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$109
per month · 11.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$48
per month
Annual total
$1,884
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Columbia County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.8%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Columbia County

State and local tax rates for Washington.

No state income tax
Washington does not levy a personal income tax.
State sales tax
6.5%
Combined sales tax
10.2%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Columbia County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.5 min
Drive alone
75.6%
Public transit
0.5%
Work from home
5.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Columbia County

What it costs to live in Columbia County each month.

Single person
$2,867
per month
  • Rent $806
  • Energy $157
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $369
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $675
  • State tax $0
Couple
$4,029
per month
  • Rent $1,035
  • Energy $188
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $611
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $841
  • State tax $0
Family
$6,610
per month
  • Rent $1,450
  • Energy $236
  • Water $85
  • Groceries $928
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $841
  • State tax $0

Frequently asked questions about Columbia County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Columbia County?

In Columbia County, WA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $806 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,035 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,450 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Columbia County?

In Columbia County, WA, the average household income is $71,528 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $51,297 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Columbia County?

The estimated cost of living in Columbia County, WA is approximately $2,867 per month for a single person, $4,029 for a couple, $6,610 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Columbia County?

The combined sales tax rate in Columbia County, WA is 10.23%, which includes the Washington state rate of 6.50% plus an average local rate of 3.73%.

Is Columbia County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Columbia County, WA would need approximately $2,867 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $71,528 per year ($5,961 per month). Columbia County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Columbia County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Columbia County, WA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Columbia County?

The average home value in Columbia County, WA is $256,100, with average annual property taxes of $2,215, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Columbia County compare to other areas?

You can compare Columbia County, WA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Columbia County is in Washington.

Other counties in Washington

Browse the full list of counties in Washington, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Washington

Compare Columbia County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources