| Index | Tumwater | Washington | National |
| Cost of living | 126 | 119 | 100 |
| Groceries | 104 | 107 | 100 |
| Health care | 111 | 109 | 100 |
| Housing | 164 | 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 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Tumwater is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Tumwater is 126, which is 26% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Tumwater is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Tumwater falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Tumwater 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 64.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Tumwater 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 Tumwater, the median home price is 76.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 34.4% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Tumwater boasting a median household income of $114,964, 41.3% higher than the national average.
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 Tumwater, the transportation index is 11.5% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Tumwater, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Tumwater 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.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $145,992 | $12,166 | $3,406 | $4,380 |
| Renters | $78,841 | $6,570 | $1,840 | $2,365 |
| 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% |
| Bucoda, WA | 631 | 103 | 2.6% |
| Oakville, WA | 667 | 106 | 5.9% |
| North Yelm, WA | 3,847 | 106 | 6.3% |
| Tenino, WA | 1,807 | 109 | 8.6% |
| Tumwater, WA | 24,235 | 126 | 26.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Monsey, NY | 24,236 | 169 | 69.1% |
| Cudahy, CA | 24,233 | 141 | 40.9% |
| South Elgin, IL | 24,226 | 112 | 12.0% |
| Bailey's Crossroads, VA | 24,246 | 136 | 35.6% |
| Pelham, AL | 24,223 | 101 | 0.7% |
| Tumwater, WA | 24,235 | 126 | 26.3% |
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