13 Most Affordable Places to Live in Washington
“The Evergreen State,” Washington has stunning natural landscapes like Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park, vibrant city life, iconic music and art scenes, and farm-to-table cuisine. If you’re considering living somewhere in Washington then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. As of July, the median home sale price in Washington is $618,000.
If that price is out of your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got options. To help you find the right place to rent or buy a home, Redfin has gathered a list of 13 of the most affordable places to live in Washington. And they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. From Yakima to Tacoma, read on to see what cities you may want to consider moving to.
#1: Yakima
Median home price: $346,500
Average sale price per square foot: $218
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $995
Median household income: $48,220
Nearest major metro: Seattle (142 miles)
Yakima, WA homes for sale
Yakima, WA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $346,500, Yakima takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in Washington. There are about 96,900 residents living in this mid-sized city. Living in Yakima, you can visit the Yakima Valley Museum and the Yakima Area Arboretum, fish, camp, or picnic at Yakima Sportsman State Park, or stop by one of the nearby wineries.
#2: Spokane
Median home price: $385,000
Average sale price per square foot: $202
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,200
Median household income: $52,600
Nearest major metro Seattle (280 miles)
Spokane, WA homes for sale
Spokane, WA apartments for rent
Taking second place on our list of affordable cities to live in Washington is Spokane. When living in this city of 228,900 people, you can visit Spokane Falls to see the waterfall, check out Riverfront Park, the site of the 1974 World’s Fair, and explore the downtown area to grab some local food or beer.
#3: Pasco
Median home price: $400,000
Average sale price per square foot: $262
Median household income: $64,756
Nearest major metro Spokane (135 miles)
Pasco, WA homes for sale
Pasco, WA apartments for rent
In third spot is Pasco where about 77,100 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $400,000 which is about $200K less than the median home sale price in Washington. Make sure to stroll along the trail by the Columbia River, visit Sacajawea Historical State Park, and golf at one of the courses if you move to this affordable city.
#4: Spokane Valley
Median home price: $422,500
Average sale price per square foot: $202
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,262
Median household income: $52,600
Nearest major metro Seattle (280 miles)
Spokane Valley, WA homes for sale
Spokane Valley, WA apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Pasco is the city of Spokane Valley. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in Spokane Valley. Make sure to hike through the Dishman Hills Natural Area, walk along the Mirabeau Trailhead by the Spokane River, and check out the local restaurants along Sprague Ave.
#5: Kennewick
Median home price: $430,000
Average sale price per square foot: $240
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,355
Median household income: $52,600
Nearest major metro Spokane (140 miles)
Kennewick, WA homes for sale
Kennewick, WA apartments for rent
Another great city to consider moving to is Kennewick. Home to 83,900 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. Living in Kennewick, you can stroll along the Columbia Park Trailhead and check out the views and monuments at Columbia Park, visit downtown Kennewick, or explore Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site.
#6: Tacoma
Median home price: $471,000
Average sale price per square foot: $320
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,630
Median household income: $64,457
Nearest major metro Seattle (35 miles)
Tacoma, WA homes for sale
Tacoma, WA apartments for rent
Another noteworthy city is Tacoma, where the median home sale price is about $150K less than the state’s average. Home to roughly 219,300 people, Tacoma is a great place to consider renting or buying a home in. Whether you visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, take a ride on the Tacoma Waterfront Trolley, and walk on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge or through beautiful Wright Park, there are many activities to do and see in this city.
#7: Richland
Median home price: $472,450
Average sale price per square foot: $232
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,597
Median household income: $77,981
Nearest major metro Spokane (145 miles)
Richland, WA homes for sale
Richland, WA apartments for rent
Claiming the seventh spot on our list of affordable places to live in Washington is Richland. With a population of nearly 60,600, you’ll be living in a mid-sized city, but there is no shortage of things to experience in Richland. If you’re going to call Richland home, plan time to hike the Badger Mountain Trail up to Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, explore The Delta and Riverview Natural Preserve, and check out downtown Richland and the riverfront spots.
#8: Vancouver
Median home price: $482,000
Average sale price per square foot: $302
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,869
Median household income: $63,617
Nearest major metro Portland, OR (10 miles)
Vancouver, WA homes for sale
Vancouver, WA apartments for rent
Living in Washington, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Vancouver, the eighth city on our list. About 190,900 people live in Vancouver, which is just across the Oregon-Washington Bridge from Portland, Oregon. Once moving to Vancouver you’ll want to walk or bike the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, visit the seasonal Vancouver Farmers Market, and check out Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
#9: Lacey
Median home price: $512,500
Average sale price per square foot: $255
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,795
Median household income: $69,752
Nearest major metro Olympia (6 miles)
Lacey, WA homes for sale
Lacey, WA apartments for rent
Just east of Olympia, Lacey is a great place to consider living in Washington where the population is about 53,500. Popular things to do in Lacey include visit one of the lakefront parks, spend time outside at Rainier Vista Community Park, and explore Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge just outside of town.
#10: Olympia
Median home price: $525,000
Average sale price per square foot: $287
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,650
Median household income: $63,185
Nearest major metro Tacoma (30 miles)
Olympia, WA homes for sale
Olympia, WA apartments for rent
Next up on our list is Olympia. This city has a population of 55,600 and you can visit the Washington State Capitol and the picturesque Tivoli Fountain, explore the shops, restaurants, and museums in the Historic District, and take in the water views at Squaxin Park. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend while living in Olympia.
#11: Everett
Median home price: $605,000
Average sale price per square foot: $345
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,751
Median household income: $66,023
Nearest major metro Seattle (30 miles)
Everett, WA homes for sale
Everett, WA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $605,000, Everett is another affordable spot to consider moving to in Washington. There are about 110,600 people living in this city, giving Everett a city-like feel without the hustle and bustle of living in nearby Seattle. If Everett is the city for you, be sure to grab a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, check out Jetty Island, and explore downtown Everett.
#12: Federal Way
Median home price: $544,000
Average sale price per square foot: $327
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,626
Median household income: $68,672
Nearest major metro Tacoma (13 miles)
Federal Way, WA homes for sale
Federal Way, WA apartments for rent
The 12th city on our list is Federal Way where you’ll find the median home sale price is $544,000. If you’re considering living in Federal Way and are looking to travel to the nearest major city, you’ll find that Tacoma is just 13 miles southwest. Seattle is also only about 25 miles north of Federal Way. There is plenty to do in Federal Way like exploring Dash Point State Park and taking in the views from Dash Point Beach, visiting Wild Waves Theme and Water Park during the summer months, and checking out the Pacific Bonsai Museum.
#13: Bellingham
Median home price: $605,000
Average sale price per square foot: $368
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,855
Median household income: $56,198
Nearest major metro Vancouver, Canada (55 miles)
Bellingham, WA homes for sale
Bellingham, WA apartments for rent
The city of Bellingham is another awesome affordable city to consider residing in. With a median home sale price of $605,000 and a population of 91,500 there are plenty of reasons that might convince you to move to Bellingham. You’ll find lots of activities as well, such as strolling along Taylor Dock Boardwalk, checking out one of the many waterfront parks like Boulevard Park and Zuanich Point Park, and grabbing a meal at one of the waterfront spots.
Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Washington. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
The post 13 Most Affordable Places to Live in Washington appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.