| Index | Olympia | Washington | National |
| Cost of living | 127 | 119 | 100 |
| Groceries | 104 | 107 | 100 |
| Health care | 111 | 109 | 100 |
| Housing | 167 | 138 | 100 |
| Transportation | 112 | 112 | 100 |
| Utilities | 110 | 110 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 112 | 112 | 100 |
| Household Items | 105 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 121 | 117 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Olympia 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 Olympia stands at 127, marking it 27% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Olympia 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, Olympia falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Olympia 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 66.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 16 residents in Olympia to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 44% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 56% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Olympia 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 Olympia, the median home price is 84.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 26.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Olympia boasting a median household income of $92,456, 13.7% higher than the national average.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Olympia, the transportation index is 11.5% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Olympia, is 66.7% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Olympia 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $144,062 | $12,005 | $3,361 | $4,322 |
| Renters | $64,557 | $5,380 | $1,506 | $1,937 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Washington | 6.5% | 10.4% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Washington | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Ketron Island, WA | 0 | 110 | 10.2% |
| North Yelm, WA | 3,847 | 106 | 6.3% |
| Shelton, WA | 10,858 | 108 | 7.8% |
| Tenino, WA | 1,807 | 109 | 8.6% |
| Nisqually Indian Community, WA | 603 | 112 | 12.1% |
| Olympia, WA | 54,379 | 127 | 27.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Delano, CA | 54,257 | 114 | 14.2% |
| Palm Desert, CA | 54,248 | 136 | 36.2% |
| Revere, MA | 54,523 | 139 | 39.0% |
| Watsonville, CA | 54,199 | 152 | 52.2% |
| Milford city, CT | 54,560 | 128 | 27.8% |
| Olympia, WA | 54,379 | 127 | 27.0% |
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