Cost of Living in Fife, WA
Population 10,902 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fife 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.
Located 5 miles east of Tacoma, Fife falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Tacoma's $455,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fife
The median home value in Fife is $480,600 — 58% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,836/month, 40% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,515/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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 59.6°F and lows of 44.3°F. Overall, Fife has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% 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 | 46 | 48 | 53 | 58 | 65 | 70 | 76 | 76 | 70 | 59 | 51 | 46 |
| Low °F | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 47 | 51 | 54 | 54 | 51 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 6.06 | 4.11 | 4.63 | 3.39 | 2.08 | 1.36 | 0.68 | 0.86 | 1.54 | 4.32 | 7.18 | 5.81 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fife, WA?
Fife has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fife, WA?
The median gross rent in Fife is $1,836 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fife?
The median home value in Fife is $480,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fife?
The median household income in Fife is $90,515 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fife, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fife is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Fife, WA affordable?
Fife is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fife?
Fife has average high temperatures of 59.6°F and average lows of 44.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fife at a Glance
- Population
- 10,902
- Median Income
- $90,515
- Home Value
- $480,600
- Median Rent
- $1,836/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
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