F
59%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
179%
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 Edmonds Washington National
Cost of living159119100
Groceries108107100
Health care108109100
Housing279138100
Transportation108112100
Utilities109110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107112100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare114117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Edmonds, WA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Edmonds? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Edmonds stands at 159, making it 59% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Edmonds may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Edmonds falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Edmonds cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 179%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Edmonds Affordable?

Is Edmonds affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Edmonds, for instance, where the median home price falls 231.1% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 57.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Edmonds flaunting a median household income of $135,172, 66.2% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Edmonds?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Edmonds, the groceries index is 7.5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Edmonds, the housing index comes in at 179% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Edmonds cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Edmonds is 35% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Edmonds is 59% higher than the national average
  • Edmonds housing is 179% 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 Edmonds

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Compare Edmonds, WA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$158,357$13,196$3,695$4,751
      Renters$94,350$7,863$2,201$2,831
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Edmonds, WA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Edmonds have a median income of $158,357. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,695 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $94,350, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,201.

      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.
      Hat Island, WA621099.1%
      Port Gamble Tribal Community, WA802990.8%
      Suquamish, WA4,44112120.9%
      Tracyton, WA5,69212121.4%
      Indianola, WA3,67812928.9%
      Edmonds, WA44,02315959.5%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brentwood, TN44,02516666.4%
      Fond du Lac, WI44,014918.7%
      North Miami Beach, FL44,0341088.3%
      Rocky View County, AB44,056n/a 
      Vernon, BC43,975n/a 
      Edmonds, WA44,02315959.5%
      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.