F
47%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
127%
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 Fairwood Washington National
Cost of living147119100
Groceries110107100
Health care112109100
Housing227138100
Transportation113112100
Utilities111110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118112100
Household Items106107100
Education & Childcare124117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fairwood, WA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Fairwood? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Fairwood stands at 147, making it 47% 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 affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Fairwood is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Fairwood falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Fairwood 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 127.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Fairwood Affordable?

Is Fairwood affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Fairwood, the median home price is 142.5% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 91.4% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Fairwood boasting a median household income of $139,936, 72.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fairwood?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Fairwood, the groceries index is 9.8% higher than the national average.

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 Fairwood, the housing index comes in at 127.2% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Fairwood, the utilities index stands at 11.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fairwood 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 Fairwood is 24% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Fairwood is 47% higher than the national average
  • Fairwood housing is 127% 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 Fairwood

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Compare Fairwood, 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$164,444$13,704$3,837$4,934
      Renters$84,998$7,083$1,983$2,550
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Fairwood, 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 Fairwood, homeowners have a median income of $164,444. Using that number, a maximum of $3,837 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $84,998, which means there is a maximum of $1,983 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%
      Tacoma, WA223,13712524.9%
      Pacific, WA7,28612625.7%
      Tukwila, WA20,71012625.7%
      Fairwood, WA19,92114747.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mamaroneck, NY19,91716766.6%
      Boone, NC19,9271099.3%
      Cumberland, MD19,928946.4%
      Sylvania, OH19,910954.5%
      Salmon Creek, WA19,90713130.5%
      Fairwood, WA19,92114747.1%
      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.