Cost of Living in Key Center, WA
Population 3,619 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Key Center sits 83% above the national median — $558,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $100,405 (35% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 15 miles west of Tacoma, Key Center falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Tacoma's $455,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Key Center
The median home value in Key Center is $558,200 — 83% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,641/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,405/year is 35% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.7%, 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, Key Center has a cost of living index of 160 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% more expensive.
Key Center 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 | 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 Key Center, WA?
Key Center has a cost index of 160 (100 = national average). It is 60% above the national average.
What is average rent in Key Center, WA?
The median gross rent in Key Center is $1,641 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Key Center?
The median home value in Key Center is $558,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Key Center?
The median household income in Key Center is $100,405 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Key Center, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Key Center is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Key Center, WA affordable?
Key Center is above average in cost of living, with an index of 160 — about 60% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Key Center?
Key Center 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.
Key Center at a Glance
- Population
- 3,619
- Median Income
- $100,405
- Home Value
- $558,200
- Median Rent
- $1,641/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs