Cost of Living in Federal Way, WA
Population 99,232 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Federal Way is a long average commute — 36 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.
Geographically, Federal Way sits roughly 7 miles northeast of Tacoma. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Federal Way
The median home value in Federal Way is $499,600 — 64% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,738/month, 32% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,144/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 46.1°F, with about 6.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Federal Way has a cost of living index of 151 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% more 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 | 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Federal Way, WA?
Federal Way has a cost index of 151 (100 = national average). It is 51% above the national average.
What is average rent in Federal Way, WA?
The median gross rent in Federal Way is $1,738 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Federal Way?
The median home value in Federal Way is $499,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Federal Way?
The median household income in Federal Way is $82,144 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Federal Way, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Federal Way is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Federal Way, WA affordable?
Federal Way is above average in cost of living, with an index of 151 — about 51% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Federal Way?
Federal Way 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.
Federal Way at a Glance
- Population
- 99,232
- Median Income
- $82,144
- Home Value
- $499,600
- Median Rent
- $1,738/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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