| Index | Walla Walla | Washington | National |
| Cost of living | 111 | 119 | 100 |
| Groceries | 104 | 107 | 100 |
| Health care | 109 | 109 | 100 |
| Housing | 119 | 138 | 100 |
| Transportation | 110 | 112 | 100 |
| Utilities | 111 | 110 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 108 | 112 | 100 |
| Household Items | 104 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 117 | 117 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Walla Walla? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Walla Walla stands at 111, making it 11% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 6 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Walla Walla and this is how they responded. 67% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 33% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Walla Walla affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Walla Walla, for instance, where the median home price falls 24.5% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 4.6% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Walla Walla flaunting a median household income of $82,035, 0.9% higher than the national norm.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Walla Walla, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Walla Walla, healthcare costs are 8.8% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Walla Walla 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 | $103,769 | $8,647 | $2,421 | $3,113 |
| Renters | $51,179 | $4,265 | $1,194 | $1,536 |
| 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. |
| Milton-Freewater, OR | 7,290 | 96 | 3.6% |
| Waitsburg, WA | 1,209 | 103 | 3.2% |
| College Place, WA | 9,501 | 108 | 8.3% |
| Dixie, WA | 175 | 113 | 13.3% |
| Garrett, WA | 1,861 | 120 | 20.3% |
| Walla Walla, WA | 33,841 | 111 | 11.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| LaSalle, ON | 33,838 | n/a | |
| Houma, LA | 33,829 | 94 | 6.5% |
| Helena, MT | 33,820 | 110 | 9.8% |
| Lewiston, ID | 33,803 | 102 | 2.3% |
| Pueblo West, CO | 33,798 | 110 | 10.5% |
| Walla Walla, WA | 33,841 | 111 | 11.4% |
Here are the best places to live in Washington
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Washington
Safest States In The US