Washington attracts Americans from all over. And there are good reasons why: Tax benefits, low cost of living, and cheaper houses. You can’t go wrong with the Evergreen State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $300,000. Sunnyside’s cost of living is 7.9% lower than the national average, and Moses Lake is 11.8% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Connell’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $313K. Meanwhile, Yakima offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $344,636.
Cheapest Places to Live in Washington in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Washington. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sunnyside | $311,297 | $906 | 7.9% lower⬇️ | $49,134 | 16,264 |
| 2. Grandview | $321,680 | $883 | 7.9% lower⬇️ | $61,635 | 11,149 |
| 3. Connell | $313,14 | $990 | 3% lower⬇️ | $59,239 | 4,735 |
| 4. Yakima | $344,636 | $1,375 | 7.9% lower⬇️ | $55,734 | 96,750 |
| 5. Moses Lake | $358,956 | $1,575 | 11.8% lower⬇️ | $66,218 | 26,299 |
| 6. Kelso | $373,173 | $1,215 | 15.9% lower⬇️ | $59,405 | 12,648 |
| 7. Spokane | $383,008 | $1,477 | 15.4% lower⬇️ | $63,316 | 229,447 |
| 8. Pasco | $406,880 | $1,850 | 3% lower⬇️ | $75,316 | 80,038 |
| 9. Cheney | $414,526 | $1,175 | 15.4% lower⬇️ | $45,419 | 12,620 |
| 10. Walla Walla | $407,627 | $1,500 | 6.8% lower⬇️ | $58,179 | 33,339 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Washington State
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Evergreen State:
#1 Sunnyside
- Median house rent is $906 | Rental prices range between $520 and $2,175.
- Median home value of Sunnyside is $311,297.
- Cost of living in Sunnyside is 7.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Sunnyside, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Sunnyside is one of the most affordable places to live in Washington State. It also has cheaper healthcare costs, which are 13.1% lower than the national average. The city is known for cheese with a major employer like Dairygold. It also offers scenic views of the Cascade Mountains, near the Ahtanum Ridge Natural Area.
» Sunnyside Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the least expensive places to live in Washington state.
#2 Grandview
- Median house rent is $883 | Rental prices range between $598 and $2,300.
- Median home value of Grandview is $321,680.
- Cost of living in Grandview is 7.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Grandview, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Grandview offers affordable housing which is 12.1% lower than the national average. Also, the city hosts annual local sports events like the Grandview Invitational Basketball Tournament, ideal for sports enthusiasts. Grandview is surrounded by picturesque orchards, vineyards, and fields, offering stunning views of the countryside.
» Grandview Homes for Sale: Browse property listings in one of the cheapest areas to live in Washington State.
#3 Connell
- Median house rent is $990.
- Median home value of Connell is $313,141.
- Cost of living in Connell is 3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Connell, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Connell is known for its small population and close-knit community. Residents enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Columbia River. In addition, the city has a significantly lower crime rate of 10.8%. Healthcare expenses are also 14.4% cheaper than the national average, making it ideal for senior citizens.
» Connell Homes for Sale: Look for affordable homes in one of the least expensive cities in Washington state.
Get a Home Loan in Washington🏡
Select Your Loan Type
-
New Home Purchase
-
Mortgage Refinance
-
Cash-out Refinance
#4 Yakima
- Median house rent is $1,375 | Rental prices range between $428 and $4,400.
- Median home value of Yakima is $344,636.
- Cost of living in Yakima is 7.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Yakima, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Yakima is one of the cheapest places to live in Washington with cost of living being 7.9% cheaper than nationwide. It boasts diverse attractions like the Yakima Valley Museum, State Fair Park, and Capitol Theater. Moreover, the job market in Yakima is expected to grow at a rate of 20.24%. Borton Fruit and Shields are the top employers in the city.
» Yakima Homes for Sale: Search homes for sale in one of the cheapest cities in WA.
Try Washington‘s #1 Mortgage Calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
#5 Moses Lake
- Median house rent is $1,575 | Rental prices range between $555 and $5,500.
- Median home value of Moses Lake is $358,956.
- Cost of living in Moses Lake is 11.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Moses Lake, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Moses Lake’s average household income is $66,218. The average transportation expenses are 30% lower than the national average. The city lies amidst the Columbia Basin and the Cascade Mountains. Residents rely on local establishments like Moses Lake Motors, Brown’s Shoes, and K&M Foods for essential goods and services. Additionally, REC Silicon and Moses Lake Industries are prominent employers in the city.
» Moses Lake Homes for Sale: Browse properties in cheap places to live in Washington State.
#6 Kelso
- Median house rent is $1,215 | Rental prices range between $740 and $3,700.
- Median home value of Kelso is $373,173.
- Cost of living in Kelso is 15.9% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Kelso, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
You can comfortably live in Kelso, with an average household income of $59,405. Situated in Cowlitz County, offers scenic views of the Columbia River waterfront. You can also enjoy exploring Mount St. Helens National Monument’s trails. The city also has major employers like the Kelso School District, Foster Farms, Safeway, and Target.
» Kelso Homes for Sale: Find cheapest homes in WA.
#7 Spokane
- Median house rent is $1,477 | Rental prices range between $500 and $8,000.
- Median home value of Spokane is $383,008.
- Cost of living in Spokane is 15.4% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Spokane, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Spokane offers monthly expenditure on food for an individual amount of $614. This makes the city one of the most budget-friendly options in which to live. The city offers recreational options at Riverside State Park. It is also home to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. Spokane also offers job employment with top employers like ATS and Ecova technology services.
» Spokane Homes for Sale: Affordable living in Washington? cheapest area to live in Washington state.
#8 Pasco
- Median house rent is $1,850 | Rental prices range between $585 and $7,500.
- Median home value of Pasco is $406,880.
- Cost of living in Pasco is 3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Pasco, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Pasco is one of the most affordable cities to live in Washington State with utility costs being 16.2% lower than the national average. Pasco’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in America. Moreover, LAD IRRIGATION and Tri-Cities Community Health, offer ample job opportunities.
» Pasco Homes for Sale: Search homes in affordable places to live in Washington State.
#9 Cheney
- Median house rent is $1,175 | Rental prices range between $600 and $3,000.
- Median home value of Cheney is $414,526.
- Cost of living in Cheney is 15.4% cheaper than the state average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Cheney, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Healthcare costs in Cheney are 15.5% cheaper than the national average. With utilities and transportation costs 21.5% and 12.2% lower respectively, Cheney’s affordability is a major factor attracting new residents. The city is home to Eastern Washington University. Major employers like System Twt Transportation Llc and Cheney Care Center are prominent here.
» Cheney Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the cheapest cities to live in Washington State.
#10 Walla Walla
- Median house rent is $1,500 | Rental prices range between $500 and $3,955.
- Median home value of Walla Walla is $407,627.
- Cost of living in Walla Walla is 6.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Walla Walla, WA: 99208 | 99205 | 99206
Walla Walla is indeed one of the cheapest cities to live in Washington, with the annual cost of living for single adult is $33,415. Also, Walla Walla Valley is renowned for its exceptional wines, with over 130 wineries production. For job seekers, the city boasts ample of job opportunities with major employers like Banner Bank and Key Technology.
» Walla Walla Homes for Sale: Looking to save on housing costs? Find the cheapest city in Washington state to live.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Washington State?
If you want to move to Washington, you will find cheap houses for sale in Washington under 250K in cities like Sunnyside, Grandview, and Moses Lake. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Texas cities.
Cities like Pasco and Walla Walla are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Washington.
📢 Check Out Budget-Friendly Homes for Sale in Washington
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
Find an Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of tiny homes for sale in Washington on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in Washington’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in Washington, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive place to live in Washington?
The cheapest place to live in Washington is Sunnyside. It offers one of the most affordable utilities in the state, which is 16.4% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Washington: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Washington.
Is Washington expensive to live in?
Yes, it is. The median home value is $588,856. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Washington?
The best place to live in Washington is Seattle, followed by Olympia, Spokane, and Tacoma, Vancouver, Pullman and Redmond.
Which Washington city has the lowest cost of living?
Sunnyside has the lowest cost of living, which is 7.9% and 24.4% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
