F
62%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
187%
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 Kenmore Washington National
Cost of living162119100
Groceries105107100
Health care108109100
Housing287138100
Transportation111112100
Utilities106110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment106112100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare118117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kenmore, WA

Knowing the cost of living in Kenmore allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kenmore stands at 162, marking it 62% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Kenmore may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Kenmore falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Kenmore cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 186.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 11 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Kenmore. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 18% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 82% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Kenmore Affordable?

Is Kenmore 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 Kenmore, the median home price is 244.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 51.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kenmore boasting a median household income of $169,386, 108.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kenmore?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Kenmore, the groceries index is 4.7% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Kenmore, the healthcare costs are 8.4% 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 Kenmore, the utilities index stands at 6.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Kenmore 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 Kenmore is 37% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Kenmore is 62% higher than the national average
  • Kenmore housing is 187% 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 Kenmore

See all the best places to live around Kenmore

Compare Kenmore, 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$205,001$17,083$4,783$6,151
      Renters$90,678$7,557$2,116$2,721
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Kenmore, WA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Kenmore homeowners, is $205,001. This would allow for a maximum of $4,783 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $90,678 which would result in a maximum of $2,116 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Port Gamble Tribal Community, WA802990.8%
      Manchester, WA6,24912828.1%
      Indianola, WA3,67812928.9%
      Snohomish, WA10,50713332.8%
      Everett, WA114,50313333.2%
      Kenmore, WA23,56716262.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lutz, FL23,56112222.3%
      Strathroy-Caradoc, ON23,574n/a 
      Marshall, TX23,5898911.0%
      Pottstown, PA23,534964.1%
      East San Gabriel, CA23,60118584.8%
      Kenmore, WA23,56716262.0%
      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.