Washington

Washington is about 19% more expensive than the national average. Across the 15 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 119, where 100 is the US average.

Typical rent in Washington averages $1,794 a month across the 15 cities we track as of September 2026, 7% below the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks the 16th highest of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.

Of the 15 cities we track in Washington, Spokane has the lowest cost of living index at 102. The lowest typical rent is in Yakima, at $1,362 a month.

Seattle has the highest cost of living index of the cities we track in Washington, at 122. The highest typical rent is in Seattle, at $2,250 a month.

Regular unleaded averages $4.98 a gallon in Washington as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), 25% above the national average of $3.98. That is the 4th most expensive of 51 states.

Rent in Washington rose an average of 2.5% over the past year across the 15 cities we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.

Residential electricity in Washington averages 14.6 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $132.

Full coverage car insurance in Washington averages $1,780 a year, or about $148 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is the 15th lowest of 51 states.