Zero income tax, quality of life, and expanding economy have motivated about 45% of people to move to Washington. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of 600K, Washington can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Evergreen State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Moses Lake and Sunnyside offer several budget-friendly options. While Moses Lake offers a cost of living 11.8% lower than the national average, the median home price in Sunnyside is $313K.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Washington has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in Washington!
4 Reasons to live in Washington 🏛️
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Washington is ~$563K. However, you can get houses between $313K and $424K in cities like Sunnyside, Grandview, and Cheney.
- Tax Benefits: Washington offers zero state income tax benefit to all its residents.
- Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare costs in cities listed below are up to 18% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Washington in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities in Washington State.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside | $43,750 | $313,406 | 16,343 | 7.2% | 18.6% |
| Grandview | $52,500 | $326,560 | 10,894 | 7.2% | 14.2% |
| Connell | $59,239 | $319,286 | 4,888 | 7.0% | 15.9% |
| Yakima | $50,673 | $350,958 | 96,266 | 5.7% | 17.6% |
| Moses Lake | $63,828 | $364,336 | 24,764 | 7.8% | 10.2% |
| Kelso | $51,203 | $383,663 | 12,566 | 7.0% | 21.1% |
| Spokane | $56,977 | $396,215 | 225,709 | 4% | 15.6% |
| Pasco | $75,316 | $414,397 | 80,038 | 5.6% | 13.1% |
| Cheney | $45,419 | $424,298 | 12,620 | 6.3% | 33.3% |
| Walla Walla | $58,179 | $412,640 | 33,339 | 4.2% | 13.58% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in WA
The annual population growth of 15.5% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Washington. If you’re considering shifting to the Evergreen State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Sunnyside
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $313,406 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $875 |
| 🍇 Known For | Columbia Winery |
Sunnyside is one of the most affordable places to live in Washington State, as its median house rent ranges between $520 – $1,975. It also has cheaper healthcare costs, which are 13.1% lower than the national average.
Sunnyside is a vibrant city located in Yakima County. This is also primarily known as an agricultural center. The city is located at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, near the Ahtanum Ridge Natural Area.
Additionally, residents of Sunnyside have access to numerous employment opportunities. Inspire Development Centers and JM Eagle are among the companies offering jobs in the area.
» Homes for Sale in Sunnyside, WA: Find your dream home in this city.
2. Grandview
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 7.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $326,560 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,400 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Grandview Museum |
Grandview is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Washington with home rent ranging from $598 – $2,700. It also offers affordable housing which is 12.1% lower than the national average.
The city is well-known for its scenic landscapes and options for outdoor leisure. Furthermore, Grandview hosts various local sports competitions annually. One such event is the Grandview Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Apart from its, sports culture and scenic view, the city is home to prestigious employers. Welch’s and Leavitt Group are two major employers that offers jobs in this area.
» Homes for Sale in Grandview, WA: Browse property listings in one of the cheapest area to live in Washington State.
3. Connell
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 3.0%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $319,286 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $990 |
| ⚓ Known For | USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park |
Connell has cheaper rental costs ranging between $963 – $963. The healthcare costs in the city are 14.4% less than the national average. The annual household income of the city is $51,480 on average.
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 compared to the national average. It has only 10.8 reported cases per 1000 people, in contrast to the country’s average of 22.7.
Get a Home Loan in Washington🏡
Select Your Loan Type
-
New Home Purchase
-
Mortgage Refinance
-
Cash-out Refinance
4. Yakima
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 7.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $350,958 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,355 |
| 🌸 Known For | Johnson’s Orchards |
Yakima offers budget-friendly living with a median rent which is $150 lower than the national median. With healthcare costs being 13.1% lower than the national average, the city stands out as one of the cheapest places to live in Washington.
Yakima boasts diverse attractions like the Yakima Valley Museum, State Fair Park, and Capitol Theater. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in activities like hiking at Rattlesnake Ridge or kayaking on the Naches River. Moreover, the job market in Yakima is expected to grow at a rate of 20.24%. This makes the city ideal for job seekers.
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
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $364,336 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🤽 Known For | Surf ‘n Slide Water Park |
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, providing numerous job opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Moses Lake, WA: Browse properties in cheap places to live in Washington State.
6. Kelso
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 15.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $383,663 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,265 |
| ⛪ Known For | East Hills Alliance Church |
The house rent in Kelso is between $785 – $2,795. With an average household income of $59,405, you can comfortably live in this city.
Kelso, situated in Cowlitz County, has a rich history. Residents can enjoy leisurely walking along the Columbia River waterfront. They can also enjoy exploring Mount St. Helens National Monument’s trails. The city also provides numerous employment opportunities, with top employers such as the Kelso School District, Foster Farms, Safeway, and Target.
» Homes for Sale in Kelso, WA: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Washington.
7. Spokane
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 15.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $396,215 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,500 |
| 🚀 Known For | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center |
Spokane is one of the best places to live in Washington state. The median home price in Spokane is $396,215. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $614. This makes the city one of the most budget-friendly options to live in.
Spokane presents numerous outdoor recreational options at Riverside State Park. Additionally, residents can explore the educational opportunities and engage with the exhibits at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. The city also offers a variety of employment opportunities for its residents. With top employers including ATS, the travel and tours company, and Ecova a technology services.
» Homes for Sale in Spokane, WA: Get yourself affordable homes in Washington State.
8. Pasco
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 3.0%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $414,397 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,795 |
| 🚀 Known For |
Pasco is one of the most affordable cities in live in Washington State with a median home price of 414K. Its utility costs being 16.2% lower than the national average, stands out as one of the most inexpensive places to live in Washington State.
Pasco’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in America. Moreover, the city boasts a diverse job market with some top employers. It includes LAD IRRIGATION and Tri-Cities Community Health, offer ample of job opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Pasco, WA: Search homes in affordable places to live in Washington State.
9. Cheney
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 15.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $424,298 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,408 |
| 🚀 Known For |
The cost of living in Cheney is 15.4% lower than the national average. Healthcare costs are also 15.5% lower. With utilities and transportation costs 21.5% and 12.2% lower respectively, Cheney’s affordability is a major factor attracting new residents.
Beyond affordability, Crookston offers a variety of employment opportunities for agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Top companies like System Twt Transportation Llc and Cheney Care Center are among those.
» Homes for Sale in Cheney, WA: Find homes in one of the cheapest cities to live in Washington State.
10. Walla Walla
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 6.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $412,640 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,595 |
| 🚀 Known For |
Walla Walla is indeed one of the cheapest city to live in Washington, with a median home price of $412K. The cost of living is also 23.5% lower than the state average. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the state.
The annual cost for housing, food, health care, and other essentials for a single adult in Walla Walla is $33,415. For job seekers, the city boasts ample of job opportunities with major employers like Banner Bank and Key Technology.
» Homes for Sale in Walla Walla, WA: Find cheap and affordable houses in Washington.
- 🏡 Do You Need Professional Assistance While Buying a Home?
Look no further! You can access a network of top real estate professionals through Houzeo Pros. They will cater to all your needs and requirements.
Bottom Line
The average cost of living in Washington State is 21.9% higher than the national average. It is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Washington, you can find affordable housing in cities like Sunnyside, Connell, and Spokane.
Cities like Pasco and Cheney have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Washington’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in WA Under Your Specific Budget
» 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 homes for sale in Washington on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering the cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Washington, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, Zillow, and Best Places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to live in Washington State?
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 the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $600,843. 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.
Which 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.
.webp)
