Cheapest Places to Live in Washington

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

Washington, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and strong economy, offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Landmarks such as Mount Rainier, Pike Place Market, and Olympic National Park highlight the state's attractions. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as technology, healthcare, and tourism. Washington's tax structure is quite favorable, with no state income tax and relatively low property taxes, enhancing the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Washington remains one of the more affordable states in the Pacific Northwest, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and favorable tax policies makes Washington an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Washington can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Washington include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Grandview Population: 11,346 19% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $263,540 Med. Rent: $1,290 Med. Household Inc.: $75,480

With a cost of living index that is 19% cheaper than the state average, Grandview is the cheapest place to live in Washington. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Grandview provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Wapato Population: 5,168 19% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $197,482 Med. Rent: $1,121 Med. Household Inc.: $63,091

The second most affordable city in Washington is Wapato and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 19% cheaper than the Washington average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Clarkston Population: 7,664 18% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $256,815 Med. Rent: $1,204 Med. Household Inc.: $59,130

Clarkston lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Washington, with a cost of living that is 18% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Mattawa Population: 5,213 17% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $200,532 Med. Rent: $1,389 Med. Household Inc.: $73,150

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Mattawa offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 17% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Connell Population: 5,667 16% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $298,014 Med. Rent: $1,430 Med. Household Inc.: $109,074

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Connell is ideal, with a cost of living that is 16% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Washington average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Union Gap Population: 6,326 16% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $223,645 Med. Rent: $1,358 Med. Household Inc.: $75,082

Union Gap comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Washington and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 16% cheaper than Washington. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Quincy Population: 7,998 16% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $298,893 Med. Rent: $1,100 Med. Household Inc.: $86,897

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Quincy is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Toppenish Population: 9,199 16% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $256,267 Med. Rent: $1,138 Med. Household Inc.: $78,658

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Toppenish fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 16% cheaper than Washington.

Prosser Population: 6,439 15% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $329,931 Med. Rent: $1,314 Med. Household Inc.: $78,472

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Prosser is one of the most affordable cities in Washington, and has a cost of living that is 15% cheaper than the state average.

Sunnyside Population: 17,266 15% cheaper than Washington average

Med. Home Value: $262,890 Med. Rent: $1,129 Med. Household Inc.: $60,036

With a cost of living that is 15% cheaper than Washington, Sunnyside comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Washington. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Washington

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Grandview	11,346	96	$263,540	$75,480
2	Wapato	5,168	96	$197,482	$63,091
3	Clarkston	7,664	97	$256,815	$59,130
4	Mattawa	5,213	98	$200,532	$73,150
5	Connell	5,667	99	$298,014	$109,074
6	Union Gap	6,326	99	$223,645	$75,082
7	Quincy	7,998	99	$298,893	$86,897
8	Toppenish	9,199	100	$256,267	$78,658
9	Prosser	6,439	100	$329,931	$78,472
10	Sunnyside	17,266	100	$262,890	$60,036
11	Hoquiam	8,808	100	$232,040	$64,766
12	Ephrata	8,390	101	$311,342	$104,941
13	Othello	8,469	101	$315,210	$73,150
14	West Clarkston-Highland	5,931	102	$331,991	$68,462
15	Medical Lake	5,075	102	$361,708	$93,701
16	Aberdeen	17,084	102	$252,066	$63,971
17	College Place	9,501	103	$376,695	$72,485
18	Airway Heights	9,237	103	$330,639	$82,789
19	Moses Lake	24,055	103	$333,767	$88,490
20	Finley	6,002	104	$358,489	$101,474
21	Spokane	223,638	104	$359,861	$79,292
22	West Side Highway	5,860	105	$306,587	$89,078
23	Yakima	97,434	105	$320,634	$72,830
24	Kelso	12,512	105	$330,938	$72,011
25	Pasco	76,821	106	$409,898	$95,068
26	Centralia	18,008	106	$297,414	$59,632
27	Walla Walla	33,841	106	$406,651	$82,035
28	Kennewick	84,474	106	$420,441	$91,897
29	Town and Country	5,549	108	$374,981	$98,969
30	Cheney	12,816	108	$407,020	$65,089
31	Longview	38,884	108	$374,357	$72,297
32	Spokane Valley	102,600	108	$411,819	$83,203
33	Shelton	10,858	109	$325,661	$70,074
34	Chehalis	7,810	110	$367,318	$65,988
35	Country Homes	6,038	110	$468,755	$82,268
36	Terrace Heights	9,253	112	$427,691	$104,615
37	Mead	7,244	112	$471,149	$105,925
38	Walnut Grove	9,546	113	$388,363	$91,239
39	Wenatchee	35,091	113	$488,496	$83,325
40	Pullman	34,799	113	$508,640	$46,850
41	Sequim	7,710	114	$410,621	$57,983
42	Ellensburg	21,153	114	$432,658	$65,206
43	Port Angeles	20,631	114	$419,648	$72,321
44	Richland	58,941	114	$516,963	$116,720
45	Selah	8,210	115	$440,673	$89,223
46	Clarkston Heights-Vineland	7,286	115	$485,042	$126,753
47	Otis Orchards-East Farms	6,206	115	$457,364	$110,347
48	East Wenatchee	14,570	115	$509,925	$93,475
49	Ocean Shores	6,432	116	$450,097	$71,051
50	Midland	9,862	117	$429,834	$77,249

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Washington, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.