Can I Afford to Live in Washington?
Washington - No income tax, major tech employers (Amazon, Microsoft), and stunning nature. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in Washington
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in Washington
With median home value of $560,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $140,000/year and a down payment of $56,000 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in Washington
With median rent of $1,750/month, you should earn at least $63K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is above the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
Washington residents earn a median household income of $87,648/year. Rent takes approximately 24% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in Washington
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 99202 Spokane | $932 | 54 |
| 2 | 99201 Spokane | $1,017 | 51 |
| 3 | 99204 Spokane | $1,129 | 63 |
| 4 | 98104 Seattle | $1,233 | 66 |
| 5 | 99203 Spokane | $1,292 | 64 |
| 6 | 99205 Spokane | $1,339 | 66 |
| 7 | 98101 Seattle | $1,603 | 72 |
| 8 | 98107 Seattle | $1,791 | 73 |
| 9 | 98105 Seattle | $1,816 | 72 |
| 10 | 98115 Seattle | $1,879 | 75 |
| 11 | 98122 Seattle | $1,925 | 76 |
| 12 | 98103 Seattle | $2,041 | 75 |
| 13 | 98199 Seattle | $3,197 | 82 |
| 14 | 98109 Seattle | $3,463 | 84 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in Washington
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in Washington
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Washington?
To live comfortably in Washington, you'd want to earn at least $63,000/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $560,000, aim for a salary of $140,000+.
Is Washington expensive to live in?
Washington has a median rent of $1,750/month, which is above the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in Washington.
What is the most affordable city in Washington?
The most affordable ZIP codes in Washington are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.