Cost of Living in Benton City, WA
Population 3,559 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Benton City is a smaller Washington community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $52,581 and housing costs ($263,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 135 miles southwest of Spokane, Benton City is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Spokane's $326,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Benton City
The median home value in Benton City is $262,800 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,159/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,581/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 66.3°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Benton City has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.
Benton City has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 41 | 49 | 59 | 67 | 77 | 83 | 93 | 91 | 81 | 66 | 50 | 41 |
| Low °F | 28 | 28 | 33 | 38 | 46 | 53 | 57 | 56 | 48 | 38 | 32 | 27 |
| Precip" | 1.03 | 0.63 | 0.69 | 0.66 | 0.71 | 0.61 | 0.15 | 0.27 | 0.31 | 0.66 | 0.87 | 1.03 |
💨 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 Benton City, WA?
Benton City has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.
What is average rent in Benton City, WA?
The median gross rent in Benton City is $1,159 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Benton City?
The median home value in Benton City is $262,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Benton City?
The median household income in Benton City is $52,581 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Benton City, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benton City is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Benton City, WA affordable?
Yes, Benton City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Benton City?
Benton City has average high temperatures of 66.3°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 7.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Benton City at a Glance
- Population
- 3,559
- Median Income
- $52,581
- Home Value
- $262,800
- Median Rent
- $1,159/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
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Washington Rankings
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