A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
3%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Yakima Washington National
Cost of living101118100
Goods & Services100111100
Groceries105110100
Health care113120100
Housing97135100
Transportation118123100
Utilities9292100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Yakima, WA

Understanding the cost of living in Yakima can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Yakima cost of living index is 101, which is 1% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Yakima aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Yakima residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 15 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Yakima and this is how they responded. 60% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 40% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Yakima Affordable?

Is Yakima 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 Yakima, for instance, where the median home price falls 1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 7.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Yakima flaunting a median household income of $48,220, 12.8% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Yakima?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Yakima, healthcare costs are 12.8% 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 goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Yakima starts at 6.5% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Yakima displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Yakima is 14% lower than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Yakima is 1% higher than the national average
  • Yakima housing is 3% lower 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 Yakima

See all the best places to live around Yakima

Compare Yakima, WA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$65,544$5,462$1,529$1,967
      Renters$35,625$2,969$831$1,069
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Yakima, 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 Yakima have a median income of $65,544. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,529 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $35,625, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $831.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Yakima National avg. Difference
      Haircut $31.67$24.2630.5%
      Beauty Salon $35.69$45.5621.7%
      Toothpaste $3.97$3.707.3%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.4%
      Movie $13.58$12.1311.9%
      Bowling $15.45$18.0014.2%

      Groceries

      Item Yakima National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.39$5.849.4%
      Fried Chicken $1.52$1.573.6%
      Milk $5.07$4.678.5%
      Potatoes $4.43$4.9310.2%
      Pizza $12.43$12.092.9%
      Beer $11.49$10.4110.3%

      Health Care

      Item Yakima National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $191.81$125.6852.6%
      Doctor $151.56$135.7811.6%
      Dentist $123.54$113.299.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.47$10.657.6%
      Lipitor $519.99$468.6011.0%

      Housing

      Item Yakima National avg. Difference
      Home Price $182,900.00$184,700.001.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,306.50$2,346.691.7%
      Apartment Rent $879.00$949.007.4%

      Transportation

      Item Yakima National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.21$3.4621.8%
      Tire Balancing $64.61$59.927.8%

      Utilities

      Item Yakima National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $169.17$193.9912.8%
      Phone $190.47$192.250.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Parker, WA491033.0%
      Donald, WA01033.0%
      Buena, WA845919.0%
      Wapato, WA5,018928.3%
      Union Gap, WA6,167954.8%
      Yakima, WA93,8291011.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Arden-Arcade, CA93,71913332.9%
      Livonia, MI93,9701044.0%
      Lawton, OK93,5358514.6%
      Concord, NC94,1471011.3%
      Fishers, IN93,48811211.8%
      Yakima, WA93,8291011.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.