Cost of Living in Fairchild AFB, WA
Population 3,016 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairchild AFB sits on the smaller end of the Washington 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 9.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Fairchild AFB sits roughly 11 miles west of Spokane — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Spokane's typical home runs $326,000 for context.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairchild AFB
Median rent runs $1,681/month, 28% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,825/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.6%, 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 58.0°F and lows of 39.2°F, with about 45.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fairchild AFB has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more expensive.
Fairchild AFB is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — 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 | 35 | 40 | 49 | 57 | 67 | 74 | 84 | 84 | 74 | 58 | 42 | 34 |
| Low °F | 25 | 26 | 32 | 37 | 45 | 51 | 58 | 57 | 49 | 38 | 30 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.97 | 1.44 | 1.83 | 1.25 | 1.55 | 1.17 | 0.42 | 0.47 | 0.58 | 1.37 | 2.06 | 2.34 |
| Snow" | 12.3 | 7.8 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 6.2 | 13.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairchild AFB, WA?
Fairchild AFB has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fairchild AFB, WA?
The median gross rent in Fairchild AFB is $1,681 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the median income in Fairchild AFB?
The median household income in Fairchild AFB is $69,825 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairchild AFB, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairchild AFB is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Fairchild AFB, WA affordable?
Fairchild AFB is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fairchild AFB?
Fairchild AFB has average high temperatures of 58.0°F and average lows of 39.2°F. Annual precipitation is 16.4". Average annual snowfall is 45.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fairchild AFB at a Glance
- Population
- 3,016
- Median Income
- $69,825
- Median Rent
- $1,681/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data