Cost of Living in Bethel, WA
Population 4,276 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bethel is a smaller Washington community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $84,214 and housing costs ($441,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Bethel sits roughly 15 miles southwest of Seattle — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than Seattle's $912,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bethel
The median home value in Bethel is $440,800 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,195/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,214/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.8%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 46.1°F, with about 6.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bethel has a cost of living index of 123 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% more expensive.
Bethel 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 | 48 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 77 | 78 | 72 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Low °F | 38 | 38 | 40 | 43 | 49 | 53 | 57 | 57 | 54 | 47 | 41 | 37 |
| Precip" | 5.78 | 3.76 | 4.17 | 3.18 | 1.88 | 1.45 | 0.60 | 0.97 | 1.61 | 3.91 | 6.31 | 5.72 |
| Snow" | 1.8 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bethel, WA?
Bethel has a cost index of 123 (100 = national average). It is 23% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bethel, WA?
The median gross rent in Bethel is $1,195 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel is $440,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bethel?
The median household income in Bethel is $84,214 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bethel, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bethel is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Bethel, WA affordable?
Bethel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 123 — about 23% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Bethel?
Bethel has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 46.1°F. Annual precipitation is 39.3". Average annual snowfall is 6.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bethel at a Glance
- Population
- 4,276
- Median Income
- $84,214
- Home Value
- $440,800
- Median Rent
- $1,195/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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