F
67%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
195%
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 East Renton Highlands Washington National
Cost of living167119100
Groceries110107100
Health care112109100
Housing295138100
Transportation113112100
Utilities111110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118112100
Household Items106107100
Education & Childcare124117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in East Renton Highlands, WA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in East Renton Highlands? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in East Renton Highlands stands at 167, making it 67% 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.

The cost of living in East Renton Highlands 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, East Renton Highlands falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the East Renton Highlands cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 194.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is East Renton Highlands Affordable?

Is East Renton Highlands 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 East Renton Highlands is 220.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 135.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. East Renton Highlands has a median household income of $166,333, which is 104.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in East Renton Highlands?

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.

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 East Renton Highlands starts at 6.5% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In East Renton Highlands, healthcare costs are 11.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The East Renton Highlands cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in East Renton Highlands is 41% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in East Renton Highlands is 67% higher than the national average
  • East Renton Highlands housing is 195% 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 East Renton Highlands

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Compare East Renton Highlands, 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$179,277$14,940$4,183$5,379
      Renters$58,645$4,887$1,368$1,760
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in East Renton Highlands, WA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In East Renton Highlands, homeowners have a median income of $179,277. Using that number, a maximum of $4,183 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $58,645, which means there is a maximum of $1,368 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA8,33111313.4%
      Algona, WA3,27712423.8%
      Pacific, WA7,28612625.7%
      Tukwila, WA20,71012625.7%
      SeaTac, WA30,18612929.0%
      East Renton Highlands, WA13,05516767.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wilton Manors, FL13,05613232.5%
      Maili, HI13,04716464.4%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      Val-des-Monts, QC13,035n/a 
      Orangeburg, SC13,0758911.2%
      East Renton Highlands, WA13,05516767.4%
      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.