| Index | Washington | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 100 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 100 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Washington 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 Washington cost of living index is 100, which is 0% equal to 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.
In Washington, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Washington will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is Washington 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 Washington, for instance, where the median home price falls 1.4% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 4.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Washington flaunting a median household income of $115,059, 41.5% higher than the national norm.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Washington, the utilities index registers at 3.2% higher than the national average.
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 Washington, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.95%.
Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Washington, the housing index comes in at 0.3% lower than the national average.
The Washington 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 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 | $130,492 | $10,874 | $3,045 | $3,915 |
| Renters | $63,555 | $5,296 | $1,483 | $1,907 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Creve Coeur, IL | 5,261 | 85 | 15.3% |
| South Pekin, IL | 1,089 | 86 | 13.6% |
| Peoria Heights, IL | 6,052 | 87 | 12.5% |
| Pekin, IL | 33,468 | 88 | 11.8% |
| Bellevue, IL | 2,394 | 88 | 11.6% |
| Washington, IL | 16,894 | 100 | 0.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Heber, UT | 16,894 | 124 | 24.0% |
| Storrs, CT | 16,897 | 116 | 15.8% |
| Hillcrest Heights, MD | 16,890 | 113 | 13.3% |
| Mercedes, TX | 16,898 | 83 | 17.2% |
| Menomonie, WI | 16,888 | 95 | 4.7% |
| Washington, IL | 16,894 | 100 | 0.0% |
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