F
32%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
81%
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 South Hill Washington National
Cost of living132119100
Groceries108107100
Health care109109100
Housing181138100
Transportation112112100
Utilities113110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111112100
Household Items109107100
Education & Childcare115117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in South Hill, WA

Knowing the cost of living in South Hill 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 South Hill stands at 132, marking it 32% higher than the national average.

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

Housing costs significantly influence the South Hill 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 81.1%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is South Hill Affordable?

Wondering if South Hill 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 South Hill, for example, the median home price is 85% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 72% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with South Hill boasting a median household income of $135,909, which is 67.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in South Hill?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In South Hill, the utilities index registers 12.9% higher than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In South Hill, the transportation index is 12% higher than the national average.

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 South Hill, the groceries index is 8.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for South Hill 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 South Hill is 11% higher than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in South Hill is 32% higher than the national average
  • South Hill housing is 81% 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 South Hill

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Compare South Hill, 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$150,178$12,515$3,504$4,506
      Renters$99,508$8,292$2,322$2,986
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in South Hill, WA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in South Hill have a median income of $150,178. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,504 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $99,508, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,322.

      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.
      North Puyallup, WA2,02911111.1%
      Midland, WA9,86211615.7%
      Clear Lake CDP (Pierce County), WA97611414.5%
      Parkland, WA39,22711717.4%
      Roy, WA83411616.2%
      South Hill, WA66,10213231.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Castro Valley, CA66,11419493.8%
      Tulare, CA66,11411717.2%
      Lorain, OH66,1738415.7%
      Eden Prairie, MN65,95012726.9%
      Lake Elsinore, CA66,35413939.1%
      South Hill, WA66,10213231.7%
      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.