B-
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
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 Cheney Washington National
Cost of living113119100
Groceries107107100
Health care113109100
Housing117138100
Transportation116112100
Utilities110110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113112100
Household Items105107100
Education & Childcare117117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Cheney, WA

Understanding the cost of living in Cheney 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 Cheney cost of living index is 113, which is 13% 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.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 8 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Cheney. The feedback revealed that 63% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 38% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Cheney Affordable?

Is Cheney an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Cheney, the median home price is 24.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 0.4% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Cheney come in at $65,089, which is 20% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cheney?

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.

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 Cheney, the groceries index registers 7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Cheney 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 Cheney is 5% lower than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Cheney is 13% higher than the national average
  • Cheney housing is 17% 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 Cheney

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Compare Cheney, 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$130,481$10,873$3,044$3,915
      Renters$37,746$3,146$881$1,132
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Cheney, 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 Cheney have a median income of $130,481. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,044 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $37,746, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $881.

      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.
      Spangle, WA2381043.7%
      Reardan, WA4821043.9%
      Millwood, WA1,7871087.8%
      Medical Lake, WA5,0751077.2%
      Airway Heights, WA9,2371088.4%
      Cheney, WA12,81611313.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Urbana, MD12,81115958.9%
      Brighton, ON12,811n/a 
      Bedford, OH12,8078614.1%
      Boone, IA12,8258713.2%
      Winnetka, IL12,825215114.9%
      Cheney, WA12,81611313.1%
      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.