F
38%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
109%
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 Lynnwood Washington National
Cost of living138119100
Groceries108107100
Health care108109100
Housing209138100
Transportation107112100
Utilities107110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108112100
Household Items105107100
Education & Childcare110117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lynnwood, WA

Understanding the cost of living in Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood cost of living index is 138, which is 38% 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.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Lynnwood may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Lynnwood falls within this bracket.

Housing costs significantly influence the Lynnwood 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 109.3%. 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 Lynnwood?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 12 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Lynnwood. The feedback revealed that 42% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 58% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Lynnwood Affordable?

Wondering if Lynnwood is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Lynnwood, for example, the median home price is 139.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 38.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Lynnwood boasting a median household income of $95,524, which is 17.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lynnwood?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Lynnwood, the transportation index stands at 6.5% higher than the national average.

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 Lynnwood, healthcare costs are 7.8% 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 Lynnwood comes in at 7.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Lynnwood are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lynnwood is 16% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Lynnwood is 38% higher than the national average
  • Lynnwood housing is 109% 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 Lynnwood

See all the best places to live around Lynnwood

Compare Lynnwood, 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$149,013$12,418$3,477$4,471
      Renters$63,217$5,268$1,475$1,897
      The affordability of the housing market in Lynnwood, WA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Lynnwood homeowners, the median income is $149,013. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,477 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $63,217. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,475 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Hat Island, WA621099.1%
      Port Gamble Tribal Community, WA802990.8%
      Suquamish, WA4,44112120.9%
      Indianola, WA3,67812928.9%
      Snohomish, WA10,50713332.8%
      Lynnwood, WA39,45413838.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Florence, SC39,448954.8%
      Hobbs, NM39,472936.7%
      Brookfield, WI39,41512120.9%
      Hot Springs, AR39,4968811.6%
      Brighton, CO39,40612625.6%
      Lynnwood, WA39,45413838.0%
      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.