F
62%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
188%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bothell Washington National
Cost of living162119100
Groceries105107100
Health care108109100
Housing288138100
Transportation111112100
Utilities106110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment106112100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare118117100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Bothell, WA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Bothell is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Bothell is 162, which is 62% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Bothell is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Bothell falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Bothell cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 187.8% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Bothell?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 11 residents in Bothell to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 18% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 82% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Bothell Affordable?

Is Bothell an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Bothell is 229.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 90% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Bothell has a median household income of $157,898, which is 94.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bothell?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Bothell, healthcare costs are 8.4% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Bothell starts at 6.5% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Bothell, the groceries index registers 4.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bothell cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bothell is 37% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Bothell is 62% higher than the national average
  • Bothell housing is 188% higher than the national average
  • Washington general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Washington state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bothell

See all the best places to live around Bothell

Compare Bothell, WA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Bothell?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Bothell?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Bothell poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$198,920$16,577$4,641$5,968
      Renters$104,894$8,741$2,447$3,147
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Bothell, WA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Bothell, the median monthly income is $198,920 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,641 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $104,894, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,447 on monthly rental expenses.

      Washington Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Washington 6.5% 10.4%

      Washington Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Washington 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Indianola, WA3,67812928.9%
      Snohomish, WA10,50713332.8%
      Everett, WA114,50313333.2%
      Kingston, WA2,91913333.1%
      Monroe, WA20,06513737.2%
      Bothell, WA47,76216262.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Four Corners, FL47,7681109.6%
      Cornwall, ON47,736n/a 
      Littleton, CO47,71913737.3%
      Hattiesburg, MS47,8238713.5%
      Salina, KS47,8329010.2%
      Bothell, WA47,76216262.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.