Cost of Living in University Place, WA

An Overview of Cost of Living in University Place, WA

Knowing the cost of living in University Place allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in University Place stands at 136, marking it 36% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, University Place may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, University Place falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the University Place cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 86.5%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Everyday goods and services make up 33% of the cost of living index and include things like clothing, personal hygiene products and entertainment which are a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Unfortunately, University Place goods and services are 17.1% more expensive than the national average, leaving you with less money at the end of the month.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in University Place, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 13.1% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in University Place?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 8 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in University Place. The feedback revealed that 13% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 88% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is University Place Affordable?

Is University Place 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 University Place, for instance, where the median home price falls 110% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 31.7% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with University Place flaunting a median household income of $77,832, 40.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in University Place?

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 University Place, the utilities index registers at 5.2% lower than the national average.

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 University Place, the housing index comes in at 86.5% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In University Place, the groceries index is 13.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in University Place, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.