A
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
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 Yakima Washington National
Cost of living107119100
Groceries109107100
Health care109109100
Housing97138100
Transportation110112100
Utilities111110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117112100
Household Items110107100
Education & Childcare113117100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Yakima, WA

The cost of living in Yakima affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Yakima is 107, which is 7% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Yakima closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Yakima can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Yakima?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 15 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Yakima. The results indicated that 60% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 40% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Yakima Affordable?

Is Yakima an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Yakima, the median home price is 1.8% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 6.5% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Yakima come in at $72,830, which is 10.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Yakima?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Yakima, the groceries index is 9.3% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Yakima, healthcare costs are 9.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Yakima cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Yakima is 10% lower than the Washington average
  • The cost of living in Yakima is 7% higher than the national average
  • Yakima housing is 3% lower 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 Yakima

See all the best places to live around Yakima

Compare Yakima, WA Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$99,622$8,302$2,324$2,989
      Renters$52,974$4,415$1,236$1,589
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Yakima, 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 Yakima have a median income of $99,622. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,324 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $52,974, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,236.

      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.
      Parker, WA5111110.9%
      Donald, WA011110.9%
      Buena, WA870963.7%
      Wapato, WA5,168972.7%
      Union Gap, WA6,3261000.5%
      Yakima, WA97,4341076.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Livonia, MI97,3921021.5%
      New Bedford, MA97,31511616.5%
      Sunrise, FL97,29711212.2%
      Concord, NC97,6081033.2%
      South Gate, CA97,25514444.3%
      Yakima, WA97,4341076.7%
      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.