F
27%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
70%
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 Fife Washington National
Cost of living127119100
Groceries105107100
Health care110109100
Housing170138100
Transportation111112100
Utilities109110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109112100
Household Items105107100
Education & Childcare113117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fife, WA

The cost of living in Fife affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Fife is 127, which is 27% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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

When it comes to the cost of living in Fife, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 70.3% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Fife Affordable?

Is Fife 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 Fife, the median home price is 79.7% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 48.3% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Fife come in at $112,335, which is 38.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fife?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Fife, the housing index is 70.3% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Fife comes in at 9.4% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Fife shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fife is 7% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Fife is 27% higher than the national average
  • Fife housing is 70% 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 Fife

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Compare Fife, WA Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$134,540$11,212$3,139$4,037
      Renters$92,516$7,710$2,159$2,776
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Fife is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Fife has a median income of about $134,540 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,139 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $92,516. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,159 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Ketron Island, WA011010.2%
      Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA8,33111313.4%
      North Puyallup, WA2,02911111.1%
      Midland, WA9,86211615.7%
      Parkland, WA39,22711717.4%
      Fife, WA10,65012727.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Quartz Hill, CA10,65013130.9%
      Fort Madison, IA10,6508614.5%
      Miami Shores, FL10,65314848.2%
      Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO10,6558416.2%
      Lyons, IL10,6441010.8%
      Fife, WA10,65012727.1%
      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.