Washington's cost of living index is 115.1 — 15.1% above the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
115.1
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
+15.1%
More expensive
Median Income
$99,389
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$86,350
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 115.1 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | +15.1% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $99,389 | Washington median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $86,350 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Very High | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 8,001,020 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 115.1, Washington is 15% above the national average. Higher costs in Washington mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $99,389 in Washington provides the equivalent purchasing power of $86,350 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Washington's typical home value of $591,900 is well above the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (none in Washington), sales tax (6.5% state rate), and property taxes (0.79% effective rate).
