Cheapest Places to Live in Washington

Washington, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and strong economy, offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Landmarks such as Mount Rainier, Pike Place Market, and Olympic National Park highlight the state's attractions. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as technology, healthcare, and tourism. Washington's tax structure is quite favorable, with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes, enhancing the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Washington remains one of the more affordable states in the Pacific Northwest, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and favorable tax policies makes Washington an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Washington can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Washington include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Wapato Population: 5,018 22% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $109,400 Med. Rent: $752 Med. Household Inc.: $42,981

With a cost of living index that is 22% cheaper than the state average, Wapato is the cheapest place to live in Washington. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Wapato provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Mattawa Population: 5,040 21% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $112,700 Med. Rent: $925 Med. Household Inc.: $48,614

The second most affordable city in Washington is Mattawa and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 21% cheaper than the Washington average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Grandview Population: 11,075 20% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $148,300 Med. Rent: $870 Med. Household Inc.: $50,444

Grandview lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Washington, with a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Union Gap Population: 6,167 19% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $126,800 Med. Rent: $917 Med. Household Inc.: $51,200

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Union Gap offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Toppenish Population: 8,872 19% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $142,300 Med. Rent: $741 Med. Household Inc.: $52,981

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Toppenish is ideal, with a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Washington average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Sunnyside Population: 16,703 19% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $146,700 Med. Rent: $755 Med. Household Inc.: $40,766

Sunnyside comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Washington and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than Washington. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Connell Population: 5,518 18% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $161,400 Med. Rent: $951 Med. Household Inc.: $71,831

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Connell is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Clarkston Population: 7,435 18% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $145,600 Med. Rent: $785 Med. Household Inc.: $38,927

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Clarkston fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 18% cheaper than Washington.

Prosser Population: 6,288 16% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $185,700 Med. Rent: $872 Med. Household Inc.: $53,333

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Prosser is one of the most affordable cities in Washington, and has a cost of living that is 16% cheaper than the state average.

Ephrata Population: 8,081 15% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $169,000 Med. Rent: $825 Med. Household Inc.: $71,269

With a cost of living that is 15% cheaper than Washington, Ephrata comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Washington. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Washington

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Wapato	5,018	92	$109,400	$42,981
2	Mattawa	5,040	94	$112,700	$48,614
3	Grandview	11,075	95	$148,300	$50,444
4	Union Gap	6,167	95	$126,800	$51,200
5	Toppenish	8,872	95	$142,300	$52,981
6	Sunnyside	16,703	96	$146,700	$40,766
7	Connell	5,518	97	$161,400	$71,831
8	Clarkston	7,435	97	$145,600	$38,927
9	Prosser	6,288	99	$185,700	$53,333
10	Ephrata	8,081	100	$169,000	$71,269
11	Othello	8,241	100	$171,600	$49,806
12	Hoquiam	8,570	101	$128,200	$44,191
13	Yakima	93,829	101	$182,900	$48,220
14	College Place	9,311	101	$205,500	$49,406
15	West Clarkston-Highland	5,791	102	$179,600	$45,950
16	Aberdeen	16,571	103	$143,700	$42,203
17	Quincy	7,815	103	$165,700	$57,731
18	Moses Lake	23,442	103	$188,000	$60,136
19	Pasco	74,266	104	$222,000	$64,756
20	Finley	5,858	104	$204,700	$69,245
21	Airway Heights	8,885	104	$186,300	$54,690
22	West Side Highway	5,735	105	$170,000	$59,527
23	Walla Walla	32,951	105	$225,700	$54,412
24	Spokane	219,185	105	$205,500	$52,600
25	Kelso	12,237	106	$185,500	$48,005
26	Kennewick	82,633	106	$239,200	$62,283
27	Centralia	17,473	106	$162,800	$40,625
28	Cheney	12,455	108	$225,900	$43,567
29	Terrace Heights	8,917	108	$240,300	$71,356
30	Spokane Valley	99,275	108	$226,800	$56,351
31	Town and Country	5,402	108	$212,300	$66,911
32	Longview	37,914	109	$212,300	$48,028
33	Ellensburg	20,679	109	$235,800	$43,567
34	Shelton	10,467	110	$184,100	$46,481
35	Chehalis	7,607	110	$202,900	$45,195
36	Country Homes	5,877	111	$260,300	$54,440
37	Selah	7,957	111	$249,400	$58,854
38	Mead	6,995	112	$255,900	$70,582
39	Richland	57,353	113	$283,200	$77,981
40	Walnut Grove	9,324	113	$215,500	$60,166
41	Fairwood CDP (Spokane County)	8,055	114	$224,800	$65,933
42	Clarkston Heights-Vineland	7,062	114	$263,000	$83,457
43	Pullman	33,974	114	$287,700	$32,073
44	Otis Orchards-East Farms	5,968	115	$252,000	$73,452
45	Sequim	7,441	116	$231,200	$39,509
46	West Richland	14,842	116	$292,500	$102,974
47	Port Angeles	20,071	116	$231,900	$48,567
48	Woodland	6,223	116	$276,200	$70,287
49	Ocean Shores	6,196	117	$250,800	$47,003
50	Wenatchee	34,249	118	$273,100	$56,962

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Washington, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.