B
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
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 Pasco Washington National
Cost of living113119100
Groceries106107100
Health care110109100
Housing117138100
Transportation115112100
Utilities113110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115112100
Household Items104107100
Education & Childcare118117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pasco, WA

Understanding the cost of living in Pasco 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 Pasco cost of living index is 113, which is 13% 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.

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

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 7 residents in Pasco 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? 43% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 57% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Pasco Affordable?

Is Pasco 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 Pasco is 25.5% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 3.9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Pasco has a median household income of $95,068, which is 16.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pasco?

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 Pasco, is 16.7% 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 Pasco, the utilities index stands at 12.8% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Pasco cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pasco is 5% lower than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Pasco is 13% higher than the national average
  • Pasco housing is 17% 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 Pasco

See all the best places to live around Pasco

Compare Pasco, WA Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$122,070$10,173$2,848$3,662
      Renters$52,412$4,368$1,223$1,573
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Pasco, WA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Pasco, the median monthly income is $122,070 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,848 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $52,412, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,223 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Wallula, WA1551010.9%
      Finley, WA6,00211212.0%
      Burbank, WA3,63111413.8%
      Kennewick, WA84,47411414.3%
      Richland, WA58,94112019.7%
      Pasco, WA76,82111312.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rock Hill, SC76,923981.8%
      Milpitas, CA77,004217116.6%
      Union City, CA76,617201101.1%
      Rochester Hills, MI76,61211717.4%
      Camden, NJ76,587964.4%
      Pasco, WA76,82111312.8%
      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.