Washington's cost of living index is 116 — 16.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
116
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+16.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$82,400
Washington median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$71,034
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 116 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +16.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $82,400 | Washington median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $71,034 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Very High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 7,705,281 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 116, Washington is 16% above the national average. Higher costs in Washington mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $82,400 in Washington provides the equivalent purchasing power of $71,034 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Washington's median home price of $570,000 is significantly above the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (none in Washington), sales tax (6.50% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.98%).
