F
48%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
134%
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 Maple Valley Washington National
Cost of living148119100
Groceries107107100
Health care111109100
Housing234138100
Transportation109112100
Utilities114110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment114112100
Household Items110107100
Education & Childcare115117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Maple Valley, WA

Knowing the cost of living in Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley stands at 148, marking it 48% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Maple Valley 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, Maple Valley falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Maple Valley, 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 133.6% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Maple Valley?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 8 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Maple Valley. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 38% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 63% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Maple Valley Affordable?

Is Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley is 144.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 107.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Maple Valley has a median household income of $175,512, which is 115.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Maple Valley?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Maple Valley, the transportation index is 9.1% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Maple Valley, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Maple Valley, the housing index is 133.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Maple Valley cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Maple Valley is 25% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Maple Valley is 48% higher than the national average
  • Maple Valley housing is 134% 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 Maple Valley

See all the best places to live around Maple Valley

Compare Maple Valley, WA Cost of Living

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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$186,135$15,511$4,343$5,585
      Renters$124,678$10,390$2,909$3,741
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Maple Valley 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. Maple Valley has a median income of about $186,135 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $4,343 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $124,678. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,909 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.
      Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA8,33111313.4%
      North Puyallup, WA2,02911111.1%
      Algona, WA3,27712423.8%
      Pacific, WA7,28612625.7%
      Tukwila, WA20,71012625.7%
      Maple Valley, WA27,29114847.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cabot, AR27,309946.1%
      Dieppe, NB27,260n/a 
      Paramus, NJ27,33017372.8%
      Pearl, MS27,3529010.1%
      Garden City, KS27,354936.6%
      Maple Valley, WA27,29114847.6%
      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.