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Cost of living in Washington

Rent, taxes, earnings and more across all 39 Washington counties.

Avg. 1-bed rent
$1,157/mo
Avg. household income
$76,363/yr
Avg. home value
$397,674
Avg. monthly cost
$3,049/mo
Cheapest county
Whitman County
$2,434/mo for a single person
Most expensive county
King County
$4,588/mo for a single person

Last updated May 21, 2026

Taxes in Washington

State income, sales and local tax rates.

Washington has no state income tax

Residents of Washington pay no state income tax on wages, salaries, or investment income. This can save a typical earner $2,000 to $6,000 per year compared to states with income tax.

State sales tax
6.50%
Combined sales tax
10.23%
incl. average local of 3.73%

Use our salary calculator to see your take-home pay in Washington

Tax information is for general reference. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

Rent in Washington

The average one-bedroom rent across Washington is $1,157/mo. Rent varies from $711/mo in Ferry County to $2,293/mo in Snohomish County.

Cheapest rent

Most expensive rent

Cheapest places to live in Washington

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Rankings include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare and taxes. See our methodology.

Most expensive places to live in Washington

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Highest earning counties in Washington

Top 10 by average household income.

All 39 counties in Washington

Sorted by population. Type to filter.

Compare any two areas in Washington

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

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Frequently asked questions about Washington

Common questions about cost of living, taxes and rent.

What is the cost of living in Washington?

The average cost of living in Washington is approximately $3,049 per month for a single person. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare and taxes. Costs range from $2,434/mo in Whitman County to $4,588/mo in King County.

What is the average rent in Washington?

The average one-bedroom rent in Washington is $1,157 per month, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across all 39 counties.

What is the average salary in Washington?

The average household income in Washington is $76,363 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Does Washington have state income tax?

No, Washington has no state income tax. Residents pay no state tax on wages, salaries or investment income.

What is the sales tax in Washington?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Washington averages 10.23%. The state rate is 6.50% with an average local addition of 3.73%.

What are the cheapest places to live in Washington?

The cheapest counties to live in Washington based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Ferry County ($2,370/mo), 2. Whitman County ($2,434/mo), 3. Okanogan County ($2,566/mo), 4. Adams County ($2,567/mo), 5. Pend Oreille County ($2,626/mo).

What are the most expensive places to live in Washington?

The most expensive counties to live in Washington based on overall monthly costs are: 1. King County ($4,588/mo), 2. Snohomish County ($4,398/mo), 3. Clark County ($3,801/mo), 4. Pierce County ($3,742/mo), 5. Skamania County ($3,683/mo).

Use this research

Journalists, researchers and bloggers are welcome to cite and share this analysis. Please include a follow link back to this page when referencing our data. For bespoke analysis, expert comment, or high-resolution graphics, get in touch via our press office.

About this data

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

  • U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates)
  • HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Tax Foundation state and local rates
Methodology All data sources