Cost of Living in Washington, PA
Population 13,361 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Washington sits on the smaller end of the Pennsylvania city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Washington sits roughly 25 miles southwest of Pittsburgh — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Washington
The median home value in Washington is $121,000 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $895/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,350/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.2°F and lows of 43.1°F. Overall, Washington has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 50 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 83 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 31 | 42 | 51 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 2.75 | 2.15 | 2.99 | 3.14 | 4.00 | 4.14 | 3.35 | 3.74 | 3.21 | 2.81 | 2.65 | 2.62 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Washington, PA?
Washington has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Washington, PA?
The median gross rent in Washington is $895 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Washington?
The median home value in Washington is $121,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Washington?
The median household income in Washington is $52,350 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Washington, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Washington is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Washington, PA affordable?
Yes, Washington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Washington?
Washington has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 37.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Washington at a Glance
- Population
- 13,361
- Median Income
- $52,350
- Home Value
- $121,000
- Median Rent
- $895/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
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Cities in other states with comparable housing costs